Local perceptions and practices in regard to opisthorchiasis in two villages in Lao PDR.

The aim of the present study was to assess local perceptions and practices in regard to opisthorchiasis in a village receiving treatment and health education compared to a village where no intervention was offered. The study was conducted two years after a health education campaign had been carried out. Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were performed among 68 men and women. The results of the study show there were distinct differences in perceptions about opisthorchiasis when comparing the two villages. It appears that introducing health education alongside treatment does have an effect on knowledge and change in behavior. Eating raw fish was mainly practiced by men, however women were not aware they were exposed to opisthorchiasis while preparing food. Although there is no locally derived term, a medically appointed term for opisthorchiasis was acknowledged. Due to the vague disease symptoms, no treatment seeking behavior was found in relation to the disease. Further studies are needed to shed light on gender differences in regard to eating behavior and to assess infection risk among different Lao dishes containing freshwater fish.

IEC material development for malaria control by working with target populations / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To develop user-friendly information education-communication (IEC)materials and guidelines of malaria control for various target groups. Methods The participatory methods were used to make sure participation of target groups at each stages of IEC material development. Results A package consisted of interactive video, 2 posters for primary groups, sto ry booklet for students, manual for activities of "buddy system" for teachers, flipcharts for health staff at grass-root levels, guidelines on communication skill and how to use the first 5kinds of materials, was developed. Conclusion A set of user-friendly IEC materials and guidelines of malaria control has successfully been developed with sufficient participation of target groups.