Dirk Essink
Biographic Data
| ID | 6330711 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Dirk Essink |
| GIVEN NAMES | Dirk |
| FAMILY NAME | Essink |
| SIGNATURE | ESSINK D |
| AFFILIATIONS | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-1050-4646 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 16 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 0 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 16 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2019 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 0 |
Gender-based violence policies and practices in humanitarian settings
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health issue, further intensified in humanitarian crises. In Ethiopia’s northern conflict (2021–ongoing), the scale of GBV underscores the urgent need for context-sensitive policy and service delivery. We conducted a policy analysis of national GBV-related policies within the context of the northern Ethiopia conflict. This was complemented by 9 focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders, i.e.,…
Pathways from integrated agriculture and health-based interventions to nutrition
Objective: We aimed to analyse the effects of nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) interventions on nutrition, examine the pathways within a project cycle and explore the pathways 3 years after the end of the funding period. Design: We employed a sequential mixed-methods design using (1) secondary quantitative data and (2) primary qualitative data. The quantitative data were analysed using the Mann–Whitney test, independent sample t test and bin…
Trade‐offs and synergies between dimensions of well‐being among smallholder farmers in Savannakhet province, Lao PDR
Agrarian transition is often seen as a pathway towards sustainable development and increasing well‐being for rural households. However, empirical evidence on trade‐offs and synergies between different dimensions of well‐being as a result of agrarian transitions is lacking. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 360 households across 12 villages in Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. We find evidence of synergies across different farmer types and bet…
How do the determinants of exclusive breast-feeding change over time? A multi-survey quasi-longitudinal study in Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Objective: The current study aimed to assess trends, associated factors and the changes in these factors for exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) over the past two decades in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Design: The current study used a quasi-longitudinal design. Descriptive analyses were done with correction for complex survey design. Inferential analyses were done for survey years separately using multiple logistic regression. Finally,…
Factors influencing sexual and reproductive health among adolescents in Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. In addition, Lao PDR has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in southeast Asia and a high maternal mortality ratio. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive exploration of factors that influence SRH knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adolescents in Bokeo Province, Lao PDR. METHOD: Data from the Adolescent Girl Situation Analysis c…
Factors associated with patient payments exceeding National Health Insurance fees and out-of-pocket payments in Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: Attaining universal health coverage is a target in the Sustainable Development Goals. In Lao PDR, to achieve universal health coverage, the government is implementing a national insurance scheme, initially targeting the informal sector. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to assess: i) the percentage of NHI patients who paid above the scheduled amount, based on individual billing payment; and ii) the factors related to overpayment. METHODS: De…
Factors affecting knowledge of National Health Insurance Policy among out-patients in Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: Universal health coverage is target 3.8 of the Sustainable Development Goals. In many lower-middle-income countries, however, major coverage gaps exist. Those who do receive services often experience high out-of-pocket expenses. To achieve universal health coverage, Lao PDR, a lower-middle-income country in South-East Asia, is shifting from a fragmented model of health financing to a national health insurance scheme. OBJECTIVE: The ob…
Knowledge of and attitudes towards abortion among adolescents in Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: Adolescents are at high risk of unintended pregnancy and consequent unsafe abortion. Evidence from Lao PDR suggests a high but underreported prevalence of induced abortion, especially amongst adolescents. Research suggests adolescents are less likely to have an unsafe abortion when they have accurate knowledge about abortion and hold positive attitudes towards abortion. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate awareness…
Quality of family planning services for women of reproductive age in Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: In Lao PDR, 15% of the married women want to postpone or prevent having a child, yet most are not using contraceptives to achieve this. Literature shows that usage of contraceptives is strongly dependent on the quality of family planning services. However, little is known about the quality of family planning services in Lao PDR. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of family planning services provided in public health facilities in Lao PD…
Married couples’ dynamics, gender attitudes and contraception use in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: The use of contraception in Lao PDR remains inadequate. In 2017, unmet contraception needs among married women aged 15-49 were 14.3% in Lao PDR overall and 18.6% in the province of Savannakhet. Although the government has a goal to reduce gender inequalities, they still persist in many areas. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to understand the extent to which couples' dynamics and gender attitudes affect contraception use in Sav…
Menstruation practice among school and out-of-school adolescent girls, Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: The transition from childhood to adolescence is a critical transitional period for girls, and as they experience these changes, having knowledge of, and being able to practice, good menstruation hygiene management is crucial. The objective of this study was to understand in and out of school adolescents' menstrual hygiene management practice, sources of information and attitudes towards menstruation. METHODS: A cross sectional, descri…
Developing a national health research agenda for Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: Currently the health research system in Lao PDR is fragmented and largely donor led. Capacity among national public health institutes is limited to select priority research questions for funding. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this capacity building and practice-oriented study is to describe the process and outcome of the first National Health Research Agenda for Lao PDR and how the agenda contributes to institutional capacity of the Min…
Anaemia among adolescents
BACKGROUND: Lao PDR has identified the need to target adolescent public health concerns. Adolescents suffering from poor health and nutrition during rapid growth and development may be at risk of anaemia due to high iron requirements and the rapid depletion of body iron stores. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the prevalence and severity of anaemia among school adolescents in Pholhong district, Vientiane province, Lao PDR. METHODS: A school-based c…
Factors associated with child malnutrition in mountainous ethnic minority communities in Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: Although in many low- and middle-income countries undernutrition is steadily decreasing, nutritional challenges persist in remote communities, such as those in mountainous areas of Lao PDR. Isolated, with limited access to food and to health care and other public services, local diets are low in both quantity and diversity. Data needed to guide policy and planning are lacking. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to identify the extent of maln…
Strengthening human and physical infrastructure of primary healthcare settings to deliver hypertension care in Vietnam
In Vietnam, the overall prevalence of hypertension (HTN) was 21%, with lower estimates for the prevalence of HTN awareness and treatment. The health systems, like other low- and middle-income countries, were designed to provide acute care for episodic conditions, rather than a chronic condition where patients need long-term care across time and disciplines. This article describes the delivery and organization of HTN care at primary healthcare (PH…
Access to hypertension care and services in primary health-care settings in Vietnam
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Access to hypertension care and services in primary health-care settings in Vietnam
Factors influencing sexual and reproductive health among adolescents in Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. In addition, Lao PDR has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in southeast Asia and a high maternal mortality ratio. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive exploration of factors that influence SRH knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adolescents in Bokeo Province, Lao PDR. METHOD: Data from the Adolescent Girl Situation Analysis c…
Factors associated with patient payments exceeding National Health Insurance fees and out-of-pocket payments in Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: Attaining universal health coverage is a target in the Sustainable Development Goals. In Lao PDR, to achieve universal health coverage, the government is implementing a national insurance scheme, initially targeting the informal sector. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to assess: i) the percentage of NHI patients who paid above the scheduled amount, based on individual billing payment; and ii) the factors related to overpayment. METHODS: De…
Factors affecting knowledge of National Health Insurance Policy among out-patients in Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: Universal health coverage is target 3.8 of the Sustainable Development Goals. In many lower-middle-income countries, however, major coverage gaps exist. Those who do receive services often experience high out-of-pocket expenses. To achieve universal health coverage, Lao PDR, a lower-middle-income country in South-East Asia, is shifting from a fragmented model of health financing to a national health insurance scheme. OBJECTIVE: The ob…
Knowledge of and attitudes towards abortion among adolescents in Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: Adolescents are at high risk of unintended pregnancy and consequent unsafe abortion. Evidence from Lao PDR suggests a high but underreported prevalence of induced abortion, especially amongst adolescents. Research suggests adolescents are less likely to have an unsafe abortion when they have accurate knowledge about abortion and hold positive attitudes towards abortion. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate awareness…
Quality of family planning services for women of reproductive age in Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: In Lao PDR, 15% of the married women want to postpone or prevent having a child, yet most are not using contraceptives to achieve this. Literature shows that usage of contraceptives is strongly dependent on the quality of family planning services. However, little is known about the quality of family planning services in Lao PDR. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of family planning services provided in public health facilities in Lao PD…
Married couples’ dynamics, gender attitudes and contraception use in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: The use of contraception in Lao PDR remains inadequate. In 2017, unmet contraception needs among married women aged 15-49 were 14.3% in Lao PDR overall and 18.6% in the province of Savannakhet. Although the government has a goal to reduce gender inequalities, they still persist in many areas. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to understand the extent to which couples' dynamics and gender attitudes affect contraception use in Sav…
Menstruation practice among school and out-of-school adolescent girls, Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: The transition from childhood to adolescence is a critical transitional period for girls, and as they experience these changes, having knowledge of, and being able to practice, good menstruation hygiene management is crucial. The objective of this study was to understand in and out of school adolescents' menstrual hygiene management practice, sources of information and attitudes towards menstruation. METHODS: A cross sectional, descri…
Developing a national health research agenda for Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: Currently the health research system in Lao PDR is fragmented and largely donor led. Capacity among national public health institutes is limited to select priority research questions for funding. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this capacity building and practice-oriented study is to describe the process and outcome of the first National Health Research Agenda for Lao PDR and how the agenda contributes to institutional capacity of the Min…
Anaemia among adolescents
BACKGROUND: Lao PDR has identified the need to target adolescent public health concerns. Adolescents suffering from poor health and nutrition during rapid growth and development may be at risk of anaemia due to high iron requirements and the rapid depletion of body iron stores. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the prevalence and severity of anaemia among school adolescents in Pholhong district, Vientiane province, Lao PDR. METHODS: A school-based c…
Factors associated with child malnutrition in mountainous ethnic minority communities in Lao PDR
BACKGROUND: Although in many low- and middle-income countries undernutrition is steadily decreasing, nutritional challenges persist in remote communities, such as those in mountainous areas of Lao PDR. Isolated, with limited access to food and to health care and other public services, local diets are low in both quantity and diversity. Data needed to guide policy and planning are lacking. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to identify the extent of maln…
Strengthening human and physical infrastructure of primary healthcare settings to deliver hypertension care in Vietnam
In Vietnam, the overall prevalence of hypertension (HTN) was 21%, with lower estimates for the prevalence of HTN awareness and treatment. The health systems, like other low- and middle-income countries, were designed to provide acute care for episodic conditions, rather than a chronic condition where patients need long-term care across time and disciplines. This article describes the delivery and organization of HTN care at primary healthcare (PH…
How do the determinants of exclusive breast-feeding change over time? A multi-survey quasi-longitudinal study in Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Objective: The current study aimed to assess trends, associated factors and the changes in these factors for exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) over the past two decades in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Design: The current study used a quasi-longitudinal design. Descriptive analyses were done with correction for complex survey design. Inferential analyses were done for survey years separately using multiple logistic regression. Finally,…
Trade‐offs and synergies between dimensions of well‐being among smallholder farmers in Savannakhet province, Lao PDR
Agrarian transition is often seen as a pathway towards sustainable development and increasing well‐being for rural households. However, empirical evidence on trade‐offs and synergies between different dimensions of well‐being as a result of agrarian transitions is lacking. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 360 households across 12 villages in Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. We find evidence of synergies across different farmer types and bet…
Pathways from integrated agriculture and health-based interventions to nutrition
Objective: We aimed to analyse the effects of nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) interventions on nutrition, examine the pathways within a project cycle and explore the pathways 3 years after the end of the funding period. Design: We employed a sequential mixed-methods design using (1) secondary quantitative data and (2) primary qualitative data. The quantitative data were analysed using the Mann–Whitney test, independent sample t test and bin…
Gender-based violence policies and practices in humanitarian settings
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health issue, further intensified in humanitarian crises. In Ethiopia’s northern conflict (2021–ongoing), the scale of GBV underscores the urgent need for context-sensitive policy and service delivery. We conducted a policy analysis of national GBV-related policies within the context of the northern Ethiopia conflict. This was complemented by 9 focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders, i.e.,…
Medicine (13 works) · Environmental health (12 works) · Global Maternal and Child Health (10 works) · Child Nutrition and Water Access (6 works) · Demography (6 works) · Nursing (6 works) · Population (6 works) · Public health (6 works) · Business (5 works) · Political science (5 works)