title: Health providers' competence in the management of reproductive tract infections in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic.
abstract: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess health providers' reported knowledge and practice competence regarding management of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Vientiane, Laos. All 272 health providers (medical doctors/assistants, midwives/nurses and drug sellers) working with RTI/STI patients in one urban and one rural district were invited to fill in a self-completed questionnaire including four written simulated case scenarios, and 93% participated in the study. Of 252 respondents, 34% scored below 50% regarding both the case scenarios and reported knowledge, and 87% gave inadequate advice regarding health education. Only 34% gave correct advice on contact tracing, 38% on counselling, 52% regarding compliance and 59% on condom promotion. Drug sellers scored lowest in all aspects of RTI/STI management. Urban respondents were more likely to report adequate knowledge. Continuous training in syndromic approach and supervision are recommended to improve the quality of RTI/STI management, particularly at private pharmacies and in rural areas.
authors.affiliation: Division of International Health (IHCAR), Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. amphoy@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Amphoy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sihavong
authors.forename: Cecilia Stålsby
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Lundborg
authors.forename: Lamphone
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Syhakhang
authors.forename: Asa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vernby
authors.forename: Amphayvanh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Panyanouvong
authors.forename: Lena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marions
authors.forename: Rolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wahlström
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007812:Laos / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011361:Professional Competence; D012424:Rural Population; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population