What level of data gathering involves the community people directly?

The correct answer identifies the level of data gathering that emphasizes direct involvement with the community people themselves. At this level, community members are actively engaged in the process of collecting data, which can include surveys, interviews, focus groups, or participatory assessments. This level of involvement ensures that the perspectives, experiences, and insights of the community are integrated into the data being collected, providing a more accurate and representative understanding of the community's needs, concerns, and resources.

Having community people directly involved in the data-gathering process allows for a deeper connection and trust between researchers or practitioners and the community. Their firsthand knowledge can significantly enhance the relevance and effectiveness of the findings, making it easier to design programs or interventions that are truly responsive to the community's needs. Moreover, this approach promotes community ownership of the data and outcomes, fostering a sense of empowerment and collaboration toward addressing local issues.

In contrast, involving community health workers, program staff, or professional stakeholders typically signifies a more indirect engagement with the community, where these individuals or groups might collect or utilize data on behalf of the community rather than through direct participation. While these roles are important in a broader context, they do not exemplify the same level of direct involvement that community people have in gathering data