What is the first step in conducting a community diagnosis?

The first step in conducting a community diagnosis is data collection. This initial phase is crucial because it involves gathering essential information about the community's health status, demographic profile, socioeconomic conditions, and various factors that may affect health outcomes. Data collection enables health practitioners to identify health needs, resources, and potential problems within the community. It lays the groundwork for planning interventions, as it provides a clear understanding of the existing situation and informs subsequent steps in the community diagnosis process. By collecting accurate and comprehensive data, health professionals can ensure that their assessments and strategies are grounded in the realities of the community they are serving.