An assessment of lot quality assurance sampling to evaluate malaria outcome indicators: Extending malaria indicator surveys

Authors: Caitlin Biedron, Marcello Pagano, Bethany L Hedt, Albert Kilian, Amy Ratcliffe, Samuel Mabunda, Joseph J Valadez

Abstract

Large investments and increased global prioritization of malaria prevention and treatment have resulted in greater emphasis on programme monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in many countries. Many countries currently use large multistage cluster sample surveys to monitor malaria outcome indicators on a regional and national level. However, these surveys often mask local-level variability important to programme management. Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) has played a valuable role for local-level programme M&E.

This article demonstrates the feasibility of integrating LQAS into multistage cluster sampling surveys and using these results to support a comprehensive national, regional and local programme M&E system. Furthermore, it outlines recommendations including guidelines on how to integreate the Large Country-LQAS design into macro-surveys while still obtaining results available through current sampling practices.

Citation: International Journal of Epidemiology, 2010; 39: 72–79.