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Sex Transm Infect 86:i56-i61 doi:10.1136/sti.2009.038356
  • Supplement

Lot quality assurance sampling for monitoring coverage and quality of a targeted condom social marketing programme in traditional and non-traditional outlets in India

Open Access
  1. Pritpal Marjara5
  1. 1Population Services International, Research & Metrics Department, Washington, DC, USA
  2. 2Population Services International, Research Department, New Delhi, India
  3. 3Population Services International, Marketing Department, Chennai, India
  4. 4Population Services International, Marketing Department, New Delhi, India
  5. 5National AIDS Control Organisation, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi, India
  1. Correspondence to Dr Amajit Mukherjee, Population Services International, Tower A, Building No 10, DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon 122001, India; amajit{at}psi.org.in

  1. Contributors BP is coordinator for Population Services International's (PSI) MAP surveys, developed the article as lead author, conducted literature research and provided technical inputs related to data analysis. AM is currently working as research manager for the Avahan intervention implemented by PSI. He participated in data collection, field monitoring and analysis of the fourth round of the survey. He conducted the required data analysis for this article and wrote a number of sections. DN used to work as research manager for the Avahan intervention implemented by PSI. She participated in data collection, field monitoring and analysis of the second, third and fourth rounds of the survey and provided inputs while this paper was being developed. NK is currently working as overall coordinator for Avahan intervention implemented by PSI. He previously worked as state director for Tamil Nadu under Avahan. He provided vital inputs related to programme interventions. AB has long experience of working with Avahan intervention. He provided important data related to sales of condoms and contributed to sections on sales and distribution. VS is currently working as research and communication director in PSI. He provided inputs while developing the paper. PM used to work as research manager for Avahan intervention implemented by PSI. He initiated the coverage surveys under Avahan.

  • Accepted 26 October 2009

Abstract

Objectives This study reports on the results of a large-scale targeted condom social marketing campaign in and around areas where female sex workers are present. The paper also describes the method that was used for the routine monitoring of condom availability in these sites.

Methods The lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) method was used for the assessment of the geographical coverage and quality of coverage of condoms in target areas in four states and along selected national highways in India, as part of Avahan, the India AIDS initiative.

Results A significant general increase in condom availability was observed in the intervention area between 2005 and 2008. High coverage rates were gradually achieved through an extensive network of pharmacies and particularly of non-traditional outlets, whereas traditional outlets were instrumental in providing large volumes of condoms.

Conclusion LQAS is seen as a valuable tool for the routine monitoring of the geographical coverage and of the quality of delivery systems of condoms and of health products and services in general. With a relatively small sample size, easy data collection procedures and simple analytical methods, it was possible to inform decision-makers regularly on progress towards coverage targets.

Footnotes