Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS)- Protocol for Parallel Sampling & Guidance FAQs (2008)

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Rapid Core Assessment Tool for Child Health (Rapid CATCH) establishes a set of standard indicators that are required of all grantees supported through the Child Survival and Health Grants Program (CSHGP). Data on these indicators are collected at baseline and end of project, and are utilized to demonstrate the important contributions of the CSHGP portfolio to increased coverage and improved practices and child nutrition status, and also to model estimated mortality reduction. The evolution of this tool in recent years, and the increased complexity of integrated programs that address the needs of multiple target populations have presented sampling challenges for grantees who have utilized the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) methodology. This guide seeks to clearly outline the recommended protocol for parallel sampling using LQAS to collect Rapid CATCH 2007 information.

This document provides guidance for using a Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) parallel sampling methodology for conducting multiple surveys at the same time from different sample groups using the same logistical system. The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Rapid CORE Assessment Tool for Child Health (Rapid CATCH) establishes a set of indicators, several with different denominators, required of all grantees supported by the Child Survival and Health Grants Program. Rapid CATCH 2007 indicators are used to illustrate the parallel sampling methodology. The LQAS parallel sampling protocol reflects experience-based guidance discussed during the CORE Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group LQAS Technical Advisory Group meeting held on August 27, 2008.

This guide complements other LQAS training material, in particular Assessing Community Health Programs Using LQAS for Baseline Surveys and Regular Monitoring. The online training course developed the CORE group and the KPC Trainer of Survey Trainers curriculum. A series of Frequently Asked Questions on LQAS is also available on the CORE website to clarify a number of issues on the overall methodology.