Lessons from an Integrated Community Health Education Initiative in Rural Laos

This mixed-methods study examines annual community events promoting integrated health in Laos using an Ecohealth approach. A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices survey of 218 rural households indicated that attendees valued “Community Health Days” and had greater recall of human health topics, but not of animal or environmental health topics, than non-attendees. The survey and organizational observations suggested that such events are opportunities for multi-sector collaboration in the region, yet delivery may be enhanced by refining the vision, topics, and facilitator roles. Research on transdisciplinary education programs is limited, so this study could inform similar initiatives about potential directions and challenges.