Primary immunization coverage among children using lot quality assurance sampling technique in rural field practice area of a Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: In India, immunization has been a central goal of the health-care system from the 1970’s, but universality is yet to be achieved. Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the primary immunization status of children aged 12–23 months using lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) technique in three primary health center (PHC) areas and estimate the dropout rates. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in three PHC areas of a Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru. LQAS technique was applied in 10 lots and 190 children aged 12–23 months were included. Lots are judged as acceptable or unacceptable based on the decision value, and dropout rates are estimated. Results: By 1 year of age, 92.6% of children were fully immunized, 7.4% were partially immunized, and no child was found to be unimmunized. One lot was found to be low performing. Dropout rate was 0.5%, 2.1%, and 3.2% between DPT1-DPT2, DPT2-DPT3, and DPT3-Measles, respectively. Conclusion: LQAS technique could be used to identify areas needing resource assignment to improve immunization coverage.