[The cluster method in conducting epidemiological research]

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol. 1986 Nov:(11):78-84.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) whose goal is to reduce morbidity and mortality by providing children with immunizations against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, and tuberculosis continually faces the problem of documenting immunization coverage rates. Therefore the EPI seeks simple, effective, and inexpensive methods of evaluation which could be implemented in different countries. An example of such a method is a simplified cluster sampling technique of estimation of immunization coverage through the examination of 210 children, selected randomly as 30 groups of 7 children each. In 1978-1984 more than 1000 immunization coverage surveys were performed all over the world, mainly in developing countries. In a modified way this method is also used to collect data on morbidity and mortality of certain EPI target diseases as well as diarrhoeal diseases.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Communicable Disease Control / methods
  • Communicable Diseases / epidemiology
  • Epidemiologic Methods*
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Immunization
  • Research Design
  • Statistics as Topic*
  • World Health Organization