Evaluating adherence to COVID-19 quarantine protocols at two international ground crossings in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR.

Objective: To evaluate the level of adherence to the national COVID-19 quarantine protocols of Lao PDR at two ground crossings (Vietnam-Lao and Thailand-Lao) in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 registered adult incoming travelers who entered Lao PDR via Dansavanh–Lao Bao border or Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge between April 2020 and March 2021. Data were extracted from point-of-entry registers, provincial hospital records, and quarantine facility registers. Overall quarantine performance (OQP) was defined as completion of the full quarantine protocol. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify the factors associated with OQP completion. Findings: Of the 380 incoming travelers, 277 (72.9%; 95%CI: 68.2–77.1) completed the full quarantine procedures. Body temperature screening was conducted for 348 individuals (91.6%), with 13 (3.7%) presenting with fever ≥37.5°C and referred for further screening. Among 335 incoming travelers directed to quarantine facilities, 264 (78.8%) completed the 14-day quarantine. Multivariate analysis revealed that female incoming travelers were significantly more likely to complete quarantine procedure than males (aOR: 1.84; 95%CI: 1.14–2.96; p = 0.013). Those who traveled into the provinces other than Savannakhet had higher odds of quarantine completion (aOR: 1.78; 95%CI: 1.49–3.26; p = 0.042). Conclusion: The quarantine system demonstrated relatively strong adherence, with a 72.9% OQP rate based on locally defined indicators. Gender and destination province were significant predictors of adherence. Enhancing communication strategies and standardizing strict quarantine procedures could improve border surveillance and preparedness for future public health emergencies.