The successes and challenges of the IMCI training course in Lao Pdr.

The purpose of this article is to explore whether the style and content of the IMCI algorithm and delivery of the training course match the needs and capacities of the Lao health workers. Unlike other IMCI studies that rely on external indicators, this study uses an open-ended qualitative approach to focus on the perspectives of the trainees through observation and trainee interviews. The findings showed that IMCI is a practical tool for health workers, and the interactive course is an effective way to teach it. Health workers responded that learning the algorithm was challenging due to the novel format and guidelines, but easy due to its clarity and straightforwardness. The main problems concerned the adaptability of guidelines and shortage of time. Incorporating in-depth clinical explanations and inviting facilitators with medical knowledge and experience using IMCI may be key to resolving such issues.

Prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema among children in Vientiane city, Lao PDR.

An International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) revealed a wide range of prevalences of childhood asthma in the world. Lao PDR had no such epidemiological data yet. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema in children in the country. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Vientiane City, the capital of Lao PDR, in 1997 using the ISAAC questionnaire. From three primary schools and one high school, 395 children, age 6-7 years, and 468 children, age 13-14 years, were chosen. The prevalence of asthma for children aged 13-14 years in Lao PDR was 25.6%, which ranks the highest in international asthma prevalence. The prevalence in allergic-rhinoconjunctivitis of children was 24.4% and atopic eczema was 7.1%. Contrary to generally accepted risk factors, there were no associations revealed between asthma prevalence and smoking of family members (especially mothers), intake of fish/meat, and male gender.