Data collection refers to gathering data about the health problems present in the community. This is important as it will help you to have good ideas about the type of problems present in the area where you work. Where do you get useful data concerning the health problems in your community? The following sources of data can be used:

• Discussion with community members about their main health problems
• Reviewing records of the health services utilised by the community
• Undertaking a community survey or a small-scale project
• Observing the risks to health present in the community.

After collecting data it should be analysed to make meaning out of it.