Quality assessment of immunization programme for children under five in davangere taluk of South India

Background: Although immunization coverage has increased in recent times in India, the quality of the Indian national immunization programme is still debatable. So, this study was conducted to assess the quality of documentation of immunization and health education to mother during Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) which is the national immunization programme of India and stresses on childhood Immunization against diseases of public health importance. The quality of maintenance of cold chain was also assessed in the study along with other factors. Method: This cross sectional study involved female Junior Health Worker (JHW) of Davangere taluk in South India as participants. These were selected based on lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS). Each Junior Health worker Female (initially called multipurpose workers) who did immunization was considered as 1 lot. The numbers of lots rejected were considered for analysis and if rejection was higher than the allowed defect (obtained from LQAS table) the quality was considered poor. Results: Identification of needed vaccine by the JHW was poor as determined by LQAS technique. Vaccination status of children and vaccine recommendation for sick children was poor. Care of vaccine was good except for contamination during loading. Vaccination technique practiced by female JHW of Davangere taluk was poor. EPI education given to mother had failed in many places by LQAS. Maintenance of cold chain and supply of vaccine was good. Knowledge about immunization process among service providers was 100% about all vaccine. Conclusion: The quality of immunization sessions were not up to the mark.