Performance of Health Personnel on Outbreak of Dengue Control in Oudomxay Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR)

Abstract

This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to describe personal characteristics,
organizational support and performance of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever [DHF] prevention
and control among health staff working on DHF prevention and control at provincial,
district and health-center levels. One hundred of a total 124 health staff who had
experiences at least 1 year were recruited. Data were collected during May 1, to June 3,
2015 by means of questionnaire which was validated and assessed reliability. Data were
analyzed using Stata version 10.1 and presented as frequency, mean, standard deviation,
median, minimum, maximum and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results revealed
that majority of the participants were male (61.0%) with age ranging 21-30 years old (58%).
Minimum age was 21 and maximum age was 58 years (median=29 year). Education level
lower than bachelor degree was 70%, and married 69%. 76.0% were technical staff with
84% having 1-5 year experiences on DHF prevention and control (min-max=1-25 years).
42.0% attended training on prevention and control of DHF. Organizational support in
overall was fair with average score 3.41 (S.D.=0.79). Considering each sub-category of
organizational support, every sub-category was fair. Overall performance was also fair with
average score 3.56 (S.D.=0.97). Considering each sub-category of performance, health
education was high with average score 3.80 (S.D.=0.92) and the lowest sub-category was
data analysis and vector control with average score 3.44 (S.D.=0.96 and 1.00, respectively).
Regarding individual characteristics, there was no association with DHF control performance
whereas administration, as one of organizational support, was highly positive associated
with DHF control performance statistically significant. (r=0.727, p-value≤0.001). Insufficient
budget was reported as the most obstacle issue followed by poor coordination with other
organization. In conclusion, strengthening capacity on data analysis and vector control of
the health staff should be conducted. In addition, providing sufficient budget should be
considered.