LOT QUALITY ASSURANCE SAMPLING (LQAS) IN PUBLIC HEALTH:A PRACTICAL OVERVIEW
By: Aly Diana
In the realm of public health and development, ensuring the quality and effectiveness of interventions is paramount. Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) is a powerful yet straightforward tool that offers a robust method for assessing quality and coverage in various programs. Originally developed in the manufacturing industry, LQAS has been adapted for use in public health, particularly in evaluating immunization coverage, monitoring healthcare services, and assessing the quality of educational programs, making it invaluable for health program managers and policymakers.
Recently, I encountered terms of reference (TOR) for a study using LQAS, and I was unaware of this method. To my surprise, the World Health Organization has introduced the technique since 1991. So, this is my attempt to briefly understand LQAS and share what I have learned.
Lot Quality Assurance Sampling is a statistical method used to determine if a specific “lot” or batch meets the defined quality standards. A “lot” could refer to a geographic area, a time period, or any other defined grouping relevant to the assessment. The core principle of LQAS is to classify these lots into two categories: acceptable or unacceptable, based on the quality criteria set before the sampling process.
The essence of LQAS lies in its ability to classify geographical areas or population segments based on whether they meet predetermined health standards. For example, LQAS can be applied to monitor immunization coverage or evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions in specific regions. The methodology entails several steps: defining the lot and quality standard, selecting an appropriate sample size, conducting the survey, and then classifying the results to ascertain whether the lot meets the quality criteria.
One significant application of LQAS is in infectious disease research. Consider a tuberculosis (TB) control program aiming to ensure that at least 90% of TB patients complete their treatment. By employing LQAS, health officials can define each district as a lot and select a sample of TB patients for data collection. For instance, in a district with 1,000 TB patients, a sample size of 20 patients might be chosen. Health workers would then check these patients to determine if they completed their treatment. If 18 out of the 20 sampled patients completed their treatment, the district could be classified as meeting the 90% completion target. Conversely, if fewer than 18 completed their treatment, the district would need targeted interventions to improve adherence. This rapid identification process facilitates immediate action to enhance program effectiveness and allocate resources efficiently.
In addition to its practical applications, LQAS offers several advantages. It is cost-effective, requiring fewer resources than traditional survey methods, and provides timely insights that facilitate quick decision-making. The methodology is also scalable, making it suitable for a range of health programs and geographical contexts. However, successful implementation necessitates proper training for health workers and careful calculation of sample sizes to ensure accurate classification.
In conclusion, Lot Quality Assurance Sampling is not merely a statistical tool; it is a strategic approach that enables health practitioners to conduct rapid assessments and implement targeted improvements in public health programs. By effectively leveraging LQAS, health officials can ensure that resources are directed toward the most critical needs, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes across populations. This methodology’s role in public health continues to expand, promising innovative solutions to pressing health challenges.
References:
- Lanata CF & Black RE (1991). Lot Quality Assurance Sampling Techniques in Health Surveys in Developing Countries: Advantages and Current Constraints. Wld hlth statist. quart. 44. Link
- Valadez JJ, Weiss W, Leburg C, Davis R (2001). A Trainer’s Guide for Baseline Surveys and Regular Monitoring: Using LQAS for Assessing Field Pro-grams in Community Health in Developing Countries. NGO Network for Health. Link
I AM CURED FROM HERPES VIRUS
For many years, I struggled with the physical pain and emotional toll of herpes. The constant outbreaks and the stigma attached to the virus left me feeling hopeless. Despite trying various conventional treatments and medications, nothing provided the lasting relief I desperately needed. Then, I came across a testimony in a blog regarding Dr Awase and his herbal medicine on how he cures diverse diseases, viruses and illnesses. Intrigued, I decided to explore this alternative path to healing. I decided to reach out to the herbal Dr.
I placed an order, got the medication and everything turned out to work out perfectly within 14days of taking the herbal medicine. Couldn’t be more grateful to God for using him to cure me from this lifelong virus. Today, I am overjoyed to say that I am completely free from the Herpes virus. To anyone struggling with herpes, I want you to know that there is hope. He also cures PCOS, HPV, PSORIASIS, ENDO, OVARIAN CYST and a lot more. You can reach out through
WhatsApp:- +2349074997110
Email:- dr.awaseherbalhome@gmail. com
ReplyMy name is Hailey Garcia and I am from New Jersey. My herpes virus turned to war after 2 years of living with it. I have tried different medical procedures to cure my herpes but to no avail. Most people think herpes is only a minor skin irritation of which herpes has long term effects on health and passes through the bloodstream and can be easily contracted through sexual intercourse. I knew I had herpes from the first day I started feeling itchy in my pubic area and the pain was very unbearable. I couldn’t stand it anymore. After 2 years of trying other means to get rid of it, I had to contact Doctor Odunga to help me with a permanent cure. I saw his email and whats-app number from a testimony I read online from a lady who was also helped by him in curing infertility problems, I had faith and contacted him. He assured me of his work and I ordered his herbal medicine. Within 5 days, I didn’t feel any pain anymore and within 2 weeks, my skin was all cleared and smooth. I am very grateful to you sir and I write this testimony as others have done to bring those having faith to you sir. If you have herpes or other similar disease and you want it cured, kindly contact Doctor Odunga, Whats-App (wa.me/+2348167159012) OR Email odungaspelltemple@gmail.com
ReplyHELLO EVERYONE.. FEW MUNINETS TO REDY THIS INFOR ON HERPES CURE 2018..
Reply2017 MY MOTHER WAS DIAGNOSED OF HERPES/ KNOWN AS GENITAL WARTS ,I SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON HER MEDICATION TILL A POINT I EVEN LOST HOPE,BECAUSE MY MOTHER WAS GRADUALLY DYING AND LOST HER MEMORY TOO, I WAS SO DESPERATE TO GET MY MOTHER BACK TO NORMAL, ONE DAY MY UNCLE WHO LIVES IN LONDON UNITED KINGDOM TOLD ME ABOUT DR OLIHA ,WHO HELPED HIM GET RID OF HERPES /GENITAL WART WITH HERBAL MEDICINE AND HIS HERBAL SOAP ,I WAS SO SHOCKED WHEN HE TOLD ME ABOUT THIS ,ALTHOUGH I NEVER BELIEVE IN HERB BUT, I KEEP TO BELIEVE BECAUSE MY UNCLE CAN’T TELL ME LIES WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH CONDITION I CONTACTED DR OLIHA VIA HIS EMAIL; OLIHA.MIRACLEMEDICINE@GMAIL.COM , YOU CAN TALK TO HIM VIA CALL OR WHATSAPP MESSENGER ON +2349038382931 , HE REPLIED AND ASK ME TO SEND MY HOME ADDRESS AND MY MOTHER’S DETAIL AND THEN I PURCHASED THE HERBAL MEDICINE,SENT ME THE HERBAL MEDICINE THROUGH COURIER SERVICE, WHEN I RECEIVED THIS HERBAL MEDICINE USED IT FOR 2 WEEKS, AND 4 DAYS OF USAGE THE WARTS FELL OFF, MY MOTHER I NOW TOTALLY CURED AND MY MOTHER IS LIVING FREE AND HAPPY AGAIN. YOU CAN TALK TO DR VIA HIS MOBILE NUMBER OR WHATS APP HIM ON +2349038382931 OR https://olihamiraclemedici.wixsite.com/drolihamiraclemedici/ ALL THANKS TO DOCTOR DR OLIHA