Aaby, P.

This paper reviews the development of various methods designed to quickly and accurately generate relevant social information pertaining to health and disease control. It examines the use of knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) surveys, community diagnosis, RRA, rapid epidemiological assessments (REA), and rapid assessment procedures (RAP) using anthropological methods. It is cautioned that KAP surveys may be inadequate to document behaviours or to explain social opinions, and that data require validation through triangulation.

Anthropological methods have been introduced into rapid assessment procedures (RAP) for a number of diseases and related health issues. This article discusses the suitability of the approach for health research in countries where tropical diseases are endemic. Adjustments to conventional methods are necessary, given the limited time in the field and the need to ensure the validity and reliability of data.