Improving postnatal care services in rural Laos with paired health volunteers
Effectiveness of Village Health Volunteers/Workers Working As Male-Female Pairs on Women's Use of Postnatal Care Services in Sepone District in Lao People's Democratic Republic: a Protocol for a Quasi-experimental Cluster Study
This study is testing if having male-female health volunteer pairs can help more women in rural Laos use postnatal care services after giving birth.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 302 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 49 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of the Ryukyus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Savannakhet) |
| Trial ID | NCT06654505 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of male-female village health volunteers working in pairs to enhance women's use of postnatal care services in rural Sepone, Lao PDR. Conducted as a quasi-experimental cluster study, it will take place from July 2024 to October 2026 across 37 selected sites. In intervention villages, paired volunteers will promote postpartum services, while control villages will have volunteers working individually. The aim is to assess the impact of this paired approach on the uptake of second postnatal care visits among women.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women who have given birth within six weeks to twelve months prior to the study's baseline and end-line surveys.
Not a fit: Women who experienced a loss during childbirth or those who cannot consent or communicate with surveyors will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase the utilization of postnatal care services among women in rural areas.
How similar studies have performed: While similar community health worker interventions have shown promise in other regions, this specific paired approach in Laos is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women who gave birth within six weeks and twelve months before the study's baseline and end-line surveys. Exclusion Criteria: * Women whose births resulted in a loss, * Women who do consent to participate in the surveys * Women who face a language barrier with surveyors will not be enrolled.
Where this trial is running
Savannakhet
- Sepon and Vilabouly districts — Savannakhet, Laos (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Credo Ahissou, PhD
- Email: Adelphahiss@gmail.com
- Phone: +818064827518
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.