Good participatory practice for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) research: the case of a COVID-19 prevention study.

The COPCOV study (chloroquine/ hydroxychloroquine prevention of coronavirus disease), which started recruitment in April 2020, is a multi-country double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial which is being conducted in healthcare facilities involved in COVID-19 case management. Participants are staff employed in facilities managing people with proven or suspected COVID-19. As part of the study, we conducted a series of engagement sessions.

Community-based management of epilepsy in Southeast Asia: Two intervention strategies in Lao PDR and Cambodia.

Background: Epilepsy affects more than 50 million people worldwide, 80% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Southeast Asia, the prevalence is moderate (6‰), and the main public health challenge is reducing the treatment gap, which reaches more than 90% in rural areas.

Methods: This 12-month comparative study (intervention vs.

Management of epilepsy in Laos: Perceptions of healthcare professionals from Vientiane Capital province and traditional healers in Southern Laos.

Background And Aim: Traditional practices are deeply rooted in Lao people's perceptions and beliefs about health and illness.The objective of the study was to understand the perceptions of healthcare professionals and traditional healers regarding the management of epilepsy in Laos, and their reciprocal views.

Experimental Procedure: An observational study was carried out in two areas of Laos from February to May 2017.

Availability, affordability, and quality of essential antiepileptic drugs in Lao PDR.

Objective: Epilepsy is a chronic condition treatable by cost-effective antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), but limited access to treatment was documented. The availability and affordability of good quality of AEDs play a significant role in access to good health care. This study aimed to assess the availability, affordability, and quality of long-term AEDs in Lao PDR.

Differences in knowledge about epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs among pharmacy-dispensing workers in Cambodia and in Lao PDR.

Unlabelled: Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder encountered in primary care in Southeast Asia. People with epilepsy require long-term therapy management. Nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has been identified as a major factor in suboptimal control of epilepsy.

Explanatory factors of adherence to community-based management of epilepsy in Lao PDR.

Relevance: A low level of knowledge about epilepsy among health workers, a context of stigmatizing sociocultural beliefs, and a low availability of antiepileptic drugs in Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) are major gaps in the medical management of people with epilepsy in this country.

Objectives: The principal objective of the study was to identify the associated factors of adherence to community healthcare structures in Lao PDR. Specific objectives were to evaluate patients' adherence status, practices and knowledge about epilepsy and its care, and factors influencing decision-making on therapeutic interventions.

Vaccination status, knowledge and awareness towards hepatitis B among students of health professions in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Health care workers (HCW) are a population at high risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, especially in endemic countries such as Lao PDR. Effective vaccines are available since over 10 years, but many HCWs are not aware of the risk of infection and are still not immunized against hepatitis B. This study aimed to assess immunization coverage against hepatitis B among the students of the University of Health Sciences (UHS) of Lao PDR in 2013 and to look for the causes of non-vaccination.

Is insufficient knowledge of epilepsy the reason for low levels of healthcare in the Lao PDR?

Background: The treatment gap for epilepsy is considerable in low and middle-income countries. In the Lao PDR it is estimated at over 90%. Health workers play a significant role in bridging the gap between people with epilepsy (PWE) and access to epilepsy care.