Due to copyright issues, an electronic copy of the thesis must be ordered from the faculty. For the faculty to have time to process the order, the order must be received by the faculty at the latest 2 days before the public defence. Orders received later than 2 days before the defence will not be processed. After the public defence, please address any inquiries regarding the thesis to the candidate.
Trial Lecture – time and place
See Trial Lecture.
Adjudication committee
- First opponent: Professor Lene Lindberg, Karolinska Institutet,
- Second opponent: Professor Eva Langeland, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences,
- Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Professor Tormod Rogne, University of Oslo
Chair of the Defence
Professor emeritus Anne Karen Jenum, University of Oslo
Principal Supervisor
Head of Centre for Global Health Jeanette H. Magnus, Universitetet i Oslo
Summary
This dissertation is in the field of public health, specifically early childhood health promotion, and involves developing a salutogenic early-intervention home visit program integrated within public Child Health Clinic (CHC) services. It addresses three main issues: (1) the feasibility of implementing a universal, non-stigmatizing home visiting program within existing CHC structures; (2) the key elements of program praxis required for effective delivery by public health nurses (PHNs); and (3) the program’s acceptability to first-time parents.
Qualitative methods were applied across three studies. Data were collected through focus group discussions and interviews with users of the CHC, program participating first-time parents, public health nurses (PHN) and stakeholders, as well as a scoping review and reviews of relevant service guidelines. The data were analyzed to evaluate program feasibility, praxis, and user acceptability.
Key findings: Integrating a salutogenic, home visiting program into existing CHC services is feasible. Trust-building between PHNs and parents was fundamental; PHNs also reported improved role clarity and job satisfaction from deeper engagement. Parents, initially sceptical, grew to appreciate the consistent, empathetic support provided in their homes. The program’s universal design (offered to all first-time families) successfully engaged families who might not be identified as at-risk through routine screening.
In conclusion, a co-created home visiting program can be effectively integrated into standard CHC services and is well received by families and PHNs. The dissertation highlights the importance of trust-building, continuity of care, early prenatal engagement, and a universal approach to avoid stigma. It also underscores the value of academic–public sector collaboration and active user involvement in developing public health interventions. These findings contribute to public health by offering a blueprint for implementing the program within existing services.
Additional information
Contact the research support staff.