Choosing and using a microcomputer for tropical epidemiology. I. Preliminary considerations.

Practical considerations involved in ascertaining data processing requirements, starting with the protocol of an epidemiological study, are discussed. These include assessments of both hardware and software requirements. Throughout the paper special emphasis is placed on the problems of conducting an epidemiological study in a tropical environment, with minimal infrastructural, logistic and expert support. The requirements of a hypothetical study protocol are used as an example. This paper covers aspects of data processing required in preparing a project proposal; its sequel considers getting the project under way.