Monitoring vaccination coverage in Istanbul using the lot quality assurance sampling and geographic information system.

The quality of vaccination services provided for children aged 12-23 months was determined in different districts of Istanbul, Turkey. Quality was assessed through a lot quality assurance sampling method, using data extracted from interviews conducted in 2001 with the mothers or carers of the children. Concurrently, geographic information system technology was used for integrated evaluation of the data from different lots and for presentation of the results as thematic maps. The results of this study helped to identify districts of the city in which vaccination services were below the expected level of quality and where an unacceptable number of children were not being fully vaccinated. Subsequent to this study, actions were taken by the agencies responsible to improve the coverage and quality of the vaccination services in these districts of Istanbul.

Use of a geographic information system in an epidemiological study of measles in Istanbul.

A geographic information system was used in an epidemiological study of measles in Istanbul, Turkey. The aim was to obtain more reliable results and to increase the facilities for spatial monitoring in epidemiological studies. The Gaziosmanpasa district of Istanbul was selected as it experiences the highest level of migration, and currently has the highest population growth rate of the city's districts. The epidemic distribution of measles was investigated on the basis of examination of 320 children. The number, geographical distribution, complications and time of measles outbreaks were analysed and represented in thematic maps (a small selection is shown in this paper). The results were evaluated and, in view of these results, new vaccination plans were arranged.