Determinants of postnatal care utilization and maternal practices in rural areas of Lao People's Democratic Republic: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Background: Postnatal care (PNC) contributes to reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity. This study aims to identify the utilization of PNC and factors associated with receiving at least two PNC services for mothers and babies in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 533 women at 6–12 weeks postpartum in Vientiane, Bolikhamsai, and Khammouane Provinces from October to December 2022.

Assessment of the underlying causes of adult deaths using a short version of verbal autopsy in Xaiyabouli Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Background: In developing countries, it is difficult to collect the data of the underlying cause of death (UCOD), especially when a death does not occur in a health facility. This study aimed to develop a short version of verbal autopsy (VA) and identify the UCOD of adults in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).

Methods: A short version of VA for deaths outside health facilities was developed.