Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) is the generic term applied to methods of objectively estimating and describing
an individual’s chances of becoming ill or dying from selected causes within a defined period of time. It involves the
evaluation of data on an individual’s lifestyle and health behaviors, laboratory and physical measures, and estimation
of his/her risk of death and/or illness, and estimation of the potential reduction in risk based on epidemiologic data, mortality
statistics, and actuarial techniques. Feedback is given based on the individual’s current and achievable risks.
The ability to understand the natural history of disease and to use this knowledge for the benefit of the public
is at the heart of the development of any health risk appraisal instrument. It is a shift from a reactive response to a presenting
disease or injury, to a proactive response to the risk factors that are causal in the natural history of that disease or injury.
By knowing our risks for the onset of a given disease, with appropriate interventions, we can forestall or eliminate it.
For the user of a health risk appraisal this means the capability to identify and appraise risks to the health
of an individual participant. From these appraisals, priorities and programs can be developed to reduce these risks. Through
these combined activities, scientists, technical experts, and health educators and health providers can accelerate the achievement
of our national health goals, bringing us ever closer to the ideal of a healthy nation.
