Among the goals formulated at the 1984 Conference on Health Research and Development in Botswana was to strengthen the research capabilities of the National Health Institute. It was recognized that health research is the responsibility of each health care worker and can be integrated into day-to-day activities. As a result of this awareness, a research course has been added to the midwifery curriculum of the National Health Institute. The course focuses on the household survey, from formulating the survey questionnaire to writing up the final report. To provide experience with both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, the survey instrument included open and closed-ended questions. Potential error sources in sampling, data collection, and analysis are also discussed. The majority of the 55 midwifery students who took the course the 1st year it was offered felt that research can improve the delivery of medical care, especially by providing awareness of community attitudes toward traditional and modern medicine. As a result of research studies, maternity care can be shaped to match the life style and expectations of a community, thereby improving its overall quality. Students suggested, however, that the research course should be presented during the 1st rather than the last (4th) year of nurse-midwife education.

作者：L, Edwards

来源：Botswana national health bulletin 1985 年 1卷 1期