Rationale and Background: : Parasitic infections remain a significant public health concern in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.5 billion people worldwide are affected by soil-transmitted parasitic infection. These infections are particularly prevalent in tropical regions, with over 267 million preschool-aged children and 568 million school-aged children infected. Objectives: : To establish the prevalence of parasitic infections and associated factors among the riverside Mekong communities in Sangthong District, Vientiane Capital. Methodology: : This study employed a cross-sectional analytic approach to determine the prevalence of helminthic infections, and factors associated with infections in humans in the Mekong Riverside communities of Sangthong District, Vientiane Capital, in 2023. Data were collected using questionnaires and stool examinations conducted with the modified Kato-Katz technique. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were performed using STATA version 14. Results: : Among the 327 participants, 94 individuals (28.7%) were found to have intestinal parasitic infections. The most common parasite was Taenia spp. (22.3%), followed by Hookworm (20.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (12.7%), Opisthorchis viverrini (11.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.2%), Fasciola spp. (4.2%), Hymenolepis nana (3.1%), and Trichuris trichiura (2.1%). Co-infections were observed in several cases: Hookworm + Opisthorchis viverrini (4.2%), and Hookworm + Strongyloides stercoralis (4.2%), Fasciola spp. + Hookworm (2.1%), Taenia spp. + Ascaris lumbricoides (2.1%), and Taenia spp. + Hookworm (2.1%). Triple infections were found in a small percentage of participants (1.0%), involving Hookworm, Opisthorchis viverrini, and Ascaris lumbricoides. Risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections included the consumption of raw food (AOR = 2.394, 95% CI: 1.011–5.667, p = 0.047) and walking barefoot during farm work (AOR = 4.563, 95% CI: 1.000–20.819, p = 0.050). Conclusion: This study highlights that consuming raw food and walking barefoot during farm work are key risk factors for parasitic infections. However, it also demonstrates that in Santhong District, Vientiane Capital, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (27.8%), particularly Taenia spp., Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Opisthorchis viverrine, are lower than the previously reported national average of 75.8%.

Rationale and Background: : Gender-based violence (GBV), especially domestic violence, is prevalent in Lao PDR. Yet, it is largely a ‘hidden’ and unaddressed problem. Engaging men and boys in GBV prevention first requires an understanding of how men and boys’ perceptions of gender norms and GB. This study is aimed to explore gender and masculinity and men’s level of awareness of GBV, and attitudes towards GBV in Lao PDR and to identify factors associated with men’s awareness of GBV and attitudes towards GBV in Lao PDR. Methodology: : A quantitative research method community-based study was conducted among married men in Vientiane and Champasak provinces, Lao PDR. The sample was married or cohabiting males in a heterosexual union living in the community for at least 1 year. The sample size for the quantitative survey was 680 men and a multi-stage random sampling scheme was applied. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were applied. A bivariate logistic regression model followed by multivariable analysis was performed to identify the associated factors of GBV. Results: : About 44.6% of men in particular suffered more severe forms of physical violence. Overall, 43.2% of male participants had positive attitudes towards gender equality and 67.1% of male participants had positive attitudes towards GBV. Overall, 99.4% of male participants ever reported physical violence during their lifetime Gender Equality Matters while 76% reported having physical violence during the last year. About one-fourth of participants (20.3%) had sexual violence during the last year. The majority of participants (84%) had good knowledge of GBV, but 46.7% had high knowledge of different types of GBV. Persons living with their family (AOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 01.1-7.2); attitudes towards GBV (AOR: 5.4; 95% CI: 3.7-9.6); men’s awareness of the effectiveness of strategies to engage men in GBV prevention (AOR: 12.2; 95% CI: 4.7-31.7) were significantly correlated with knowledge of GBV. While factors statistically significant associated with positive attitudes towards GBV were non-Lao-Tai ethnic (AOR: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.4); knowledge of GBV (AOR: 4.9; 95% CI: 3.1-7.9); and men’s awareness on the effectiveness of strategies to engage men in GBV prevention (AOR: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.3). Conclusion: This study highlights the good knowledge of GBV among male participants and the low knowledge of different types of GBV. It also revealed the positive attitudes towards GBV and high Gender Equality Matters (GEM). Factors statistically significant associated with knowledge of and attitudes towards GBV among male participants were socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes towards GBV, and men’s awareness of the effectiveness of strategies to engage men in GBV prevention. Men-oriented programs, such as those involving men, also address gender norms, with promising results including increased equitable attitudes and reduced self-reported gender-based violence perpetration.

Background: : According to the World Health Organisation, Lao PDR was among the top 10 countries with the highest reduction in maternal mortality between 2000 and 2020. However, maternal mortality rates remain high compared to most countries in the WHO Western Pacific Region, with an estimated 126 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020. The major non-obstetric causes of maternal mortality were HIV and tuberculosis (TB) infections. Objectives: : To determine the proportion of HIV/TB testing and assess knowledge of HIV and TB among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at the Central hospitals, Vientiane provincial hospitals, and peri-urban district hospitals in Vientiane Capital. Methodology: : This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2022 to December 2022. Four central hospitals and four district hospitals in Vientiane City and Vientiane Provincial Hospital were selected as study sites. Participants were interviewed face-to-face using a standardized questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, ANC attendance, HIV/TB testing history, and knowledge of and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and TB. Data were analyzed using STATA version 17. Univariate analysis, including frequencies and percentages, was used to describe variables and identify patterns. Factors associated with adequate knowledge of, and attitudes towards HIV and TB were assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: : Among 1,964 pregnant women attending ANC at the selected sites, the proportion of HIV-positive cases detected via rapid testing was 0.6%. None of the participants had been tested for TB. Misconceptions about HIV and TB were prevalent. For example, 35.7% of participants believed that HIV could be transmitted by sharing food with an infected person, and only 13.7% correctly identified TB as being caused by bacteria. Overall, 45.0% and 42.8% of participants had good knowledge of HIV and TB, respectively. Additionally, 25.9% pregnant women had a positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS, while 45.1% had a positive attitude towards TB. Factors significantly associated with knowledge of HIV/AIDS and TB included obstetric and ANC history, positive attitudes towards TB, and awareness of TB testing locations. Conclusion: The study highlighted a low prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending ANC at central and district hospitals in Vientiane Capital. However, knowledge of HIV/TB was limited, and attitudes towards HIV/TB were generally negative. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, educational initiatives, and awareness campaigns to improve knowledge, correct misconceptions, and foster positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and TB among pregnant women. The insights from this study can inform the development of policies, programs, and preventive strategies aimed at reducing HIV/AIDS and TB infections.

Background: : Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents an escalating global health concern. Medical students, as future prescribers and stewards of antimicrobials, play a critical role in combating AMR. However, inappropriate antibiotic use, such as unnecessary continuation of prophylaxis for common colds, persists among practitioners. Resistant infections can prolong treatment duration and increase mortality risk, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Objective: : To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of sixth year medical students regarding antibiotic use before and after exposure to the Lao adult and pediatric Antimicrobial Prescribing guidelines. Methodology: : A before and after study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews to test student knowledge. Students were exposed to prescribing guidelines by the percentage of students with high or low knowledge scores before and after the intervention were compared. Results: : A total of 134 students participated; 52.2% were female, with a mean age of 20.78 years. Most students (82.8%) had completed high school, and 61.2% resided in Vientiane capital. Pre-intervention assessment revealed that 72.4% of students demonstrated low knowledge of adult antimicrobial prescribing, which improved post intervention, with 65.7% achieving a high knowledge level. Similarly, for pediatrics antimicrobial prescribing, 73.1% exhibited low knowledge pre-intervention, improving to 56.7% with high knowledge post-intervention. Conclusion: The introduction of the Lao antimicrobial prescribing guidelines significantly enhanced sixth year medical students’ knowledge of antimicrobial use. Following over one month of guideline exposure and hospital-based training, most students demonstrated improved knowledge to apply appropriate prescribing practices.

Rationale and Background: : Guava leaf (Psidium guajava L.) extracts are widely used in traditional medicine and pharmaceutical industries. The antioxidant compounds in P. guajava leaves are known to have various beneficial effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, analgesic, and anti-cancer effects, as well as protection against cardiovascular diseases. This study analyzed the functional groups, phenolic compounds, and in-vitro antioxidant capacity of ethanol-extracted Psidium guajava leaves. Additionally, formulations of herbal toothpaste were developed and subsequently evaluated for their physicochemical and antibacterial properties. Methodology: : Psidium guajava leaves were extracted using two differential techniques to determine the most effective extraction method. Phytochemical screening and biological activity tests were then conducted. Finally, herbal toothpaste was formulated, and its physicochemical properties, including antibacterial activity, were evaluated. Results: : Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids in both ultrasonic and reflux extractions. Total phenolic compound analysis showed that ultrasonic extraction yielded a higher value (213.11 ± 2.93 mg GAE/g dw) than reflux extraction (69.75 ± 4.64 mg GAE/g dw). The DPPH assay also indicated a higher antioxidant capacity for ultrasonic extraction (1146.92 ± 21.85 µM TE/g dw) compared to reflux extraction (606.19 ± 13.93 µM TE/g dw). The ABTS assay was similar for both extraction methods, whereas the FRAP assay showed higher values for ultrasonic extraction (378.44 ±19) than reflux extraction (213.11 ± 2.93). Additionally, ultrasonic extraction exhibited better antibacterial activity against S. aureus than the reflux method. The stability evaluation showed favorable results for color, appearance, texture, smell, taste, foaming, and pH. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Psidium guajava L. extracts possess high total phenolic content and strong antioxidant activity. The formulated herbal toothpaste exhibited a promising antibacterial profile, supporting the traditional use of P. guajava in medicine and its potential for development into various pharmaceutical and industrial products in the future.

Rationale and Background: : The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant global public health challenge, affecting health care access and provision across all age groups. With limited literature available on its impact in Lao PDR. Objectives: : to investigate individuals’ confidence of in accessing health care services before, during, and after the pandemic. Methodology: : A cross-sectional study was conducted in three provinces (Vientiane, Luangprabang and Champasak) using a multi-stage household sampling approach. A total 2,300 participants were recruited, including youth (15-24 years old), adults (25–59 years old) and elderly people (60–75 years old). Data were collected through face-to-face structured interviews, covering health care access before, during and after the pandemic, together with characteristics of individual, household, community and policy-related factors. Descriptive and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with confidence to access health services among individuals. Results: : The study recruited 545 youths, 1,370 adults and 385 elderly people (female 51.7%, 54.2% and 55.1% respectively). Nearly half of participants had poor COVID literacy (48.4%). Nearly three-quarters (71.3%) had a high level of depression-anxiety-stress scale (DASS) related to COVID. More than one-third of participants (36.7%) had a reduction of confidence to access health care (youth: 36.3%, adult: 36.4% and elders: 38.2%). Factors associated with reduced confidence varied across age groups and levels. Key influencing factors included high COVID-related DASS scores, difficulties in seeking care, insufficient information, lack of a supportive person or community, and having a family member with a chronic-illness. Conclusion: To maintain confidence in healthcare access, adequate information dissemination must be prioritized, particularly in communities with limited accessibility and households with ill members. Future research should focus on health system preparedness and community engagement in response to future public health emergencies.

Rationale and Background: : Maternal anxiety is sometimes considered a normal response to stress or danger and part of the usual human experience. However, it might become a medical condition if happened exaggerated. Anxiety during pregnancy is the most common of psychological problems and estimated to affect between 15 and 23% of women and is associated with increased risk for a range of negative maternal and child outcomes. Objectives: : Describe the difference between high risk pregnant and low risk pregnant related to Anxiety during pregnancy at Mother and children hospital Vientiane capital a Lao PDR. Methodology: : This study was cross-sectional, descriptive study among the pregnant women both in high-risk and low-risk pregnancy conducted from June to December 2023 of the 351 sample size. Data were collected by using questionnaire interviewed face to face for social demographic, obstetric information also medical history and PASS self-rated questionnaire for investigating anxiety symptoms. The data were entered in Microsoft excel and analyzed by using SPSS software. Results: : Of 351 pregnant women, low-risk pregnancy was 57.6% and 42,4% was high-risk pregnancy, these high-risk pregnancy complications for 149 samples shown 21.5% were Advanced maternal age, followed by 17.6% for Anemia and Gestational diabetes mellitus, 14.1% were maternal overweight, 9.4% was previous caesarean, and 12.8% for others. The total PASS score among participants ranged from 0-93 and the mean was 16.3 (SD 11.3) with median 14. There were 109 pregnant women (31.1%) whose PASS score was 21 or higher, and they were defined as they have anxiety symptoms during pregnancy in this study, the incidence of high-risk (n=46, 30.9%) with mild to moderate symptoms (n=41, 27.5%) and Severe symptoms (n=5, 3.4%), also Low-risk group (n=63, 31.1%) with mild to moderate symptoms (n=59, 29.1%) and Severe symptoms (n=4, 2%). Conclusion: the study concludes that the incidence of anxiety symptoms during pregnancy was 31.1% among pregnant women in the Mother and children hospital in Vientiane capital, Lao PDR and associated with social demographic information, Obstetric profile and Medical history. However this study found negative finding that there were no different of anxiety levels comparative of two groups even Low-risk pregnancies has fewer complications and good quality maternal health status.

Rationale and Background:: Critical thinking is an important competency for nursing students to ensure the quality and safety of patient care. Various factors, including individual learning styles, may influence the development of critical thinking skills. Objectives: : This study aimed to examine the learning styles and critical thinking levels of bachelor-level nursing students and to explore the relationship between learning style and critical thinking ability. Methodology: : A descriptive correlational research design was employed. The sample consisted of 156 undergraduate nursing students. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, a learning style inventory, and a critical thinking assessment tool, all of which were translated into Lao by researchers. The reliability coefficients of the learning style and critical thinking instruments were 0.85 and 0.88, respectively. Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank-order correlation were used for data analysis. Results: : The most common learning style among students was collaborative (35.30%), followed by participatory (21.2%), dependent (18.6%), competitive (10.9%), independent (10.3%), and avoidant (3.8%). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between critical thinking and collaborative, participatory and independent learning styles. (r = .205, r=.206, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Collaborative, participatory, and independent learning styles are positively associated with critical thinking abilities in nursing students. These findings suggest that academic administrators and educators should consider incorporating strategies tailored to these learning styles in curriculum design to foster critical thinking development.

Background and Rationale: : Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is a gram-negative bacterium infecting over half of the global population (approximately 4.4 billion people in 2015) and represents the most prevalent chronic bacterial infection worldwide. Hp is classified as a human carcinogen, responsible for about 5.5% of all malignancies and 80–90% of the global gastric cancer (GC) burden, which ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Objectives: : This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection through stool antigen detection in symptomatic Lao patients attending the Department of Gastroenterology at Setthathilath Hospital, Vientiane capital, Lao PDR Methodology: : A prospective descriptive study was conducted, collecting data via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Patients received standard triple therapy consisting of Esomeprazole, Amoxycillin and Clarythomycin. Results: : The study enrolled 110 participants, predominantly female (56.4%) with ages ranging from 24 to 77 years and the majority (53.6%) aged between 36 and 55 years. Common clinical symptoms included epigastric pain (67.3%), fever (59.1%), melena (49.1%), bleeding per rectum (32.7%) and vomiting (31.8%). At the six month follow up, 52 patients (47.3%) were lost to follow up. Among the 58 patients who attended follow up, 87.9% tested negative for H. pylori stool antigen. Conclusion: Antibiotic therapy demonstrated high effectiveness in eradicating H.pylori infection among patients in Vientiane, with only seven individuals remaining positive at 6 months, likely due to treatment non-adherence.

Background:: Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease characterized by defective skin barrier function. Laos is a low resource setting located in South East Asia region which very few studies related to skin health have been conducted. Objectives: : This study aimed to clinical Screening and Treatment of Eczema: A Prospective Study among Children under 5 Years Old Presenting to Children’s Hospital, Setthathilath Hospital and Mahosot Hospital, Lao PDR Methodology: : This study was a descriptive cross-sectional design study, conducted from May to November 2023. In all, 478 children attended OPD with a skin complaint. Children visited the Outpatient department in Children’s Hospital, Setthathilath Hospital, Mahosot Hospital, of whom 208 children diagnosed with eczema were included in study. Results: : Among 208 children, 130 (62.5%) had flexor involvement and 78 (37.5%) had extensor involvement. The main drugs used for treatment were emollient cream and topical corticosteroids in 157 (75.48%) From a clinical point of view, these findings are often a source of parental anxiety and medical concern for in experienced clinicians. Conclusion: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) in Lao children is often a source of parental anxiety and presents management challenges for in experienced clinicians, correct diagnosis and parental counselling may relieve anxiety. General paediatricians should be able to reassure parents of children with eczema and manage skin lesions using emollients and topical corticosteroids.