Evaluation of Primary Immunization Coverage of Infants Under Universal Immunization Programme in an Urban Area of Bangalore City Using Cluster Sampling and Lot Quality Assurance Sampling Techniques

RESEARCH QUESTION: Is LQAS technique better than cluster sampling technique in terms of resources to evaluate the immunization coverage in an urban area? OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the lot quality assurance sampling against cluster sampling in the evaluation of primary immunization coverage. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. STUDY SETTING: Areas under Mathikere Urban Health Center. STUDY SUBJECTS: Children aged 12 months to 23 months. SAMPLE SIZE: 220 in cluster sampling, 76 in lot quality assurance sampling. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Percentages and Proportions, Chi square Test. RESULTS: (1) Using cluster sampling, the percentage of completely immunized, partially immunized and unimmunized children were 84.09%, 14.09% and 1.82%, respectively. With lot quality assurance sampling, it was 92.11%, 6.58% and 1.31%, respectively. (2) Immunization coverage levels as evaluated by cluster sampling technique were not statistically different from the coverage value as obtained by lot quality assurance sampling techniques. Considering the time and resources required, it was found that lot quality assurance sampling is a better technique in evaluating the primary immunization coverage in urban area.