As a fourth-year medical student, I participated in a research project investigating the incidence of Opisthorchis viverrini infection through primary data collection. My team and I conducted interviews using mobile devices and Google Forms to gather data in a rural area of Chachengsao province.
We faced several obstacles. Verifying case records was time-consuming, and ensuring consistency in questioning required training to standardize our approach. Furthermore, working in a rural setting presented a language barrier. We actively learned new words to ensure clear communication with participants.
Despite the challenges, our initiative and adaptability ensured successful data collection. Through collaboration and training, we addressed standardization concerns. Moreover, our willingness to learn the local dialect facilitated effective communication with participants.
This experience not only solidified my interest in research but also highlighted the importance of resourcefulness and cultural sensitivity in data collection. The data we gathered contributed to a valuable project to understand the prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in this rural community.