Evaluating the Impact of Training on Maternal and Child Health Knowledge and Practices Among Public Health Personnel in Rural Bokeo Province, Lao PDR

Maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes in remote rural areas are often poorer compared to urban regions, partly attributable to limitations in healthcare personnel's knowledge and skills. This study evaluated a training program aimed at improving reproductive health knowledge and practices among 296 public health professionals in Bokeo Province, Lao PDR. The 50-hour curriculum focused on various facets of reproductive health and utilized interactive teaching methods and hands-on simulations. Knowledge acquisition was measured through pre-post 30-question tests, while practical skills were evaluated by experts using a 4-point proficiency scale. Participant satisfaction with the training was also surveyed. All professional designations - nurses, assistant nurses, and assistant doctors - showed significant improvements, with nurses increasing mean knowledge scores from 19.5 to 26.7 and practice scores from 2.7 to 3.6 out of 4; assistant nurses from 16.0 to 24.5 and 2.1 to 3.3; and assistant doctors from 14.5 to 25.7 and 1.6 to 3.1, respectively. Satisfaction levels were high, averaging 3.8-4.0 out of 5 across groups. Results demonstrate the efficacy of a tailored, rigorous training program in markedly enhancing the competence of rural healthcare personnel. However, longitudinal monitoring is warranted to ensure long-term retention of knowledge and skills. Targeted interventions that successfully bridge knowledge gaps among rural health workers can profoundly impact maternal and child health outcomes in underserved areas.