Community health research by PHC nurses in Kwazulu

Epidemiological research in community health has been practised by Primary Health Care nursing students in KwaZulu for the past fifteen years. This consists of a descriptive community survey to determine the priority needs, followed by an investigation into one of these needs, usually by means of an interview survey of 50 households. The process is largely self-directed, with expert guidance and assistance readily available. The status and support of the PHC nurses in KwaZulu needs to be enhanced in order to make them more effective.