Lot quality survey: an appealing method for rapid evaluation of vaccine coverage in developing countries – experience in Turkey

Abstract

Background: Vaccine-preventable diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide and in developing countries in particular. Information on coverage and reasons for non-vaccination is vital to enhance overall vaccination activities. Of the several survey techniques available for investigating vaccination coverage in a given setting, the Lot Quality Technique (LQT) remains appealing and could be used in developing countries by local health personnel of district or rural health authorities to evaluate their performance in vaccination and many other health-related programs. This study aimed to evaluate vaccination coverage using LQT in a selected semi-urban setting in Turkey.

Evaluation of primary immunization coverage among children in a rural block of district Rohtak, Haryana, India

“…The findings in our study were similar to the study done by Cakir et al, in which timely age-appropriately vaccination for BCG, DPT-3, OPV-3 and Measles were 87.2%, 67%, 63.9% and 77.9% respectively. 17 Shrivastwa et al found in their study that timely administration of BCG, DPT-3 and Measles vaccines among children were present in 31%, 19% and 34% respectively. 18 It has been seen through various studies that if vaccines are given at right time and in correct doses through correct technique, effectiveness of vaccine antigens substantially increase in inducing adequate immune response in the body of children.…”

Vaccine Coverage Rates Among 12-23 Month Old Children Living in Four Selected Provinces of Turkey: Results of a Lot Quality Survey

“…This percentage was 82% in Cakir's survey which was conducted three years ago. 11 While interpreting these results it should not be underestimated that these "access times" were the declarations of the participants.…”

“…11,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] The main reasons for common use of LQT in vaccine-related research is its ease in application, no need for a sampling frame record and/or large population size; ability to determine performance of individual sub-units in the population to identify those with "unacceptably low" coverage rates; and the possibility of chosing a range of different confidence intervals, and accuracy levels. LQAS may require a larger initial investment than administrative or cluster survey methods owing to larger sample sizes.…”

“…This finding confirms that the health centers/family physicians are the mostly preferable sites for vaccination in Turkey. 11,26,27 In both situations, it is a pleasant finding from the public health point of view, indicating that vaccination services are mainly received from primary health care settings. In addition, accessibility of vaccination services does not seem to be a hindering factor against immunization, given the finding that more than 50% of the children in each province reached vaccination services in less than 10 minutes.…”

“…A questionnaire, which was based on the data collection tool of the study conducted by Cakir et al, was used to conduct face-to-face interviews at household settings. 11 The 3-page questionnaire was completed in about 15 minutes and included questions on sociodemographics, vaccine-related characteristics of children, family characteristics, and reasons for non-vaccination (if applicable).…”