Timeliness of immunisation with the pentavalent vaccine at different levels of the health care system in the Lao People's Democratic Republic: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The timely administration of vaccines is considered to be important for both individual and herd immunity. In this study, we investigated the timeliness of the diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis-hepatitis B-Haemophilus influenzae type b (pentavalent) vaccine, scheduled at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. We also investigated factors associated with delayed immunization.

Seroprotection at Different Levels of the Healthcare System After Routine Vaccination With Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis whole cell-Hepatitis B-Haemophilus influenzae Type B in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Background: The Lao People's Democratic Republic continues to sustain a considerable burden of vaccine-preventable diseases because of incomplete vaccine coverage and weak vaccine responses. We have assessed seroconversion after routine vaccination with the pentavalent vaccine to capture weaknesses of vaccine management at the different levels of the healthcare system.

Methods: A total of 1151 children (aged 8-28 months) with 3 documented doses of the pentavalent vaccine delivered at central hospitals in Vientiane and the provincial hospital, 3 district hospitals, and 10 health centers in Bolikhamxay province were enrolled.

Strengthening the Engagement of Provinces in Health Workforce Planning and Management: A Case Study From Lao PDR.

The purpose of this health workforce plan is to provide guidance for the staffing of the Bolikhamxay. Province health services and the training of health service personnel to the year 2020. It must be stressed, however, that this plan is in its first iteration and does not provide all the solutions.

Job satisfaction of health-care workers at health centers in Vientiane Capital and Bolikhamsai Province, Lao PDR.

The aim of this study was to assess job satisfaction levels among health-care workers and factors correlated with their overall job satisfaction. This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2011 with 164 health-care workers using self-administered questionnaires on a six-point Likert scale. Categorical variables were reported using frequencies and median (interquartile range), while continuous data were using means and standard deviations.

Differences in preferences for rural job postings between nursing students and practicing nurses: evidence from a discrete choice experiment in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Background: A discrete choice experiment was conducted to investigate preferences for job characteristics among nursing students and practicing nurses to determine how these groups vary in their respective preferences and to understand whether differing policies may be appropriate for each group.

Methods: Participating students and workers were administered a discrete choice experiment that elicited preferences for attributes of potential job postings. Job attributes included salary, duration of service until promotion to permanent staff, duration of service until qualified for further study and scholarship, housing provision, transportation provision, and performance-based financial rewards.

Availability and use of emergency obstetric care services in public hospitals in Laos PDR: a systems analysis.

The maternal mortality ratio in Laos in 2005 was 660 per 100,000 lives birth which was the third highest in Asia-Pacific Region. The objective was to determine the availability and use of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) in provincial and district hospitals in Borikhamxay, Khammouane, and Savannakhet provinces using UN guidelines. A hospital-based cross sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2008.

Antenatal care among ethnic populations in Louang Namtha Province, Lao PDR.

One in 33 women in Lao PDR dies due to pregnancy-related causes, which is the highest in Southeast Asia. This study assessed ANC utilization rates and the determinants for these rates; it also explored rural maternal decision-making regarding the place of delivery and immunizations for their children under age five years. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Viengphukha District, Louang Namtha Province, Lao PDR in January 2008.

Seasonal pattern and genotype distribution of norovirus infection in Japan.

A total of 6231 fecal specimens collected from infants and children with gastroenteritis in 7 different regions of Japan during 1995 to 2007 were examined for norovirus. Norovirus was detected in 779 patients (12.5%) and norovirus activity peak in the winter season (November to January) during 1995 to 2007.

Seasonal trend and serotype distribution of rotavirus infection in Japan, 1981-2008.

A total of 10,917 fecal specimens from infants and children with gastroenteritis in seven different regions of Japan in the last 3 decades were examined for rotavirus. We observed that the rotavirus peak shifted gradually from January to April (winter to early spring) during 17 seasons and the G1P[8] combination was the most predominant genotype in the last 28 years in Japan.

Prevalence and potential risk factors of rhinitis and atopic eczema among schoolchildren in Vientiane capital, Lao PDR: ISAAC questionnaire.

In 1998, an epidemiological study on asthma and allergic diseases using ISAAC questionnaire in Laos was first conducted in the recommended schools located in Vientiane capital showing that the prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema were 23.7% and 7.1% among children aged 13-14 year-old, respectively.

UXO victims and health status of populations living in Xiengkhuang Province, Lao PDR: A household-based survey.

During the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1973, over 2 million tons of bombs were dropped on Laos. Approximately 30% of the bombs did not explode and have posed a continued threat to civilians throughout the country. Approximately 200 casualties per year have been reported nationwide.

Parasitic infestation and nutritional status among schoolchildren in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Aims: To investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation among school-aged children residing in Vientiane capital city; and to assess the impact of its infestation on nutrition status of those children.

Methods: The school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2005 to February 2006. The systemic random samplings were employed to select schools and schoolchildren.

Factors affecting routine immunization coverage among children aged 12-59 months in Lao PDR after regional polio eradication in western Pacific region.

The global poliomyelitis eradication programme had a great impact on routine immunization coverage in Lao PDR: DPT3 increased 23% in 1992 to 56% in 1999; OPV3 27% to 64%. However, after the achievement of regional eradication, coverage became stagnant in accordance with the withdrawal of various sources of financial supports. In place of the former funds, a public-private global partnership began to support EPI.