Siste publikasjoner fra Institutt for helse og samfunn

• Nordenfelt, Lennart & Hofmann, Bjørn Morten (2027). Dignity. I Nesi, Hilary & Milin, Petar (Red.), Reference Module in Social Sciences. Elsevier. ISSN 9780443157851. s. 1–7. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-443-15715-8.00018-2. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Fossmo, Hanne Ludt; Robinson, Hilde Stendal; Bjåstad, Karianne Grûner; Varhaug, Kristin Nielsen; Frich, Jan C & Ørstavik, Kristin (2026). Muscle Strength and Outcome Measures for Upper Limb Function in Adults With Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1: A Cross-Sectional Study. European Journal of Neurology. ISSN 1351-5101. 33(11). doi: 10.1111/ene.70799. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Myotonic dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) is a multisystem neuromuscular disorder with progressive distal and proximal weakness, including in the upper limbs. Limited research has been conducted on hand function and outcome measures. Methods: Eighty nine adult DM1 participants were included in this cross-sectional study. The study describes upper limb strength and function and examines associations between motor impairments and clinical outcome measures, including comparing strength measurement methods. Disease severity was classified with the muscular impairment rating scale (MIRS) and the Brooke upper extremity scale was used as a classification scale of upper limb function. Muscle strength was measured using handheld dynamometers, and fine motor function with the Nine-Hole Peg Test and Nut and Bolt task. Upper limb function was rated with the Revised Upper Limb Module and global motor function with the Motor Function Measure 32. Patient-reported outcome measures included ABILHAND-NMD, ACTIVLIM, and the Myotonia behavior scale. Results: Participants showed a wide spectrum of motor impairment from minimal distal to severe proximal weakness. Strength measures correlated significantly with functional tests, while PROMs reflected perceived limitations but showed ceiling effects. Disease duration correlated with muscle strength and upper limb function, while age and subtype were less important. Myotonia severity showed only weak correlation with functional outcomes. Conclusion: No single measure fully captures upper limb function in DM1. A combination of strength testing, dexterity tasks, and PROMs provides a multidimensional assessment framework. Muscle strength assessment remains essential, and these findings support integrating multiple standardized measures for clinical trial endpoints and therapeutic evaluation in DM1.

• Moger, Tron Anders; Tjerbo, Trond; Vøllestad, Nina Køpke; Hellesø, Ragnhild; Holte, Jon Helgheim & Amundsen, Olav [Vis alle 18 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). From data collection to action: Health registry data in chronic care management and policy. Journal of Public Health Research. ISSN 2279-9028. 15(4). doi: 10.1177/22799036261495552. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Ochili, CR; Whistance, M; Okolie, OJ; Hermet, L; Coraci, P & Touboul-Lundgren, PA [Vis alle 10 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Educational Needs for Vector Borne Disease Preparedness: A Multi Country Teacher Study. European Journal of Public Health. ISSN 1101-1262. 36(Supplement_5). doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.186. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background The geographic expansion of vectors has heightened the global risk of transmission of vector‑borne diseases (VBDs). Within Europe, VBDs are increasingly recognised as an emerging public health concern, underscoring the importance of public education to support prevention and preparedness. This study explored the need for educational materials on VBDs for children and young people by examining teachers’ knowledge, current teaching practices, and resource requirements. Methods A qualitative study was conducted with teachers from England, France, Norway, and New Caledonia (a French territory outside Europe) who teach science, geography, and health education to 5–18‑year‑olds. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results 46 teachers took part in the focus groups. Most had a basic awareness of VBDs and its link with climate change, and the majority had never taught the topic. The teachers strongly emphasised the importance of VBD education and expressed a clear need for comprehensive, evidence‑based teaching resources. Reported barriers included limited curriculum time and the absence of VBD‑related content in existing programmes of study. Participants highlighted that clear terminology, structured content, and opportunities for students to engage with real‑world examples from other countries would enhance motivation and learning. Conclusions This study engaged teachers across diverse European VBD contexts to identify gaps in classroom preparedness and define requirements for effective teaching resources. It resulted in evidence-based materials designed to address these gaps, supporting improved teacher confidence, stronger curriculum integration, and behaviour-changing learning amongst students. As one of the first European studies to assess VBD education needs across countries facing emerging, locally transmitted, and established vector-borne threats, it introduces an innovative, cross-regional approach to strengthening public health preparedness. Key messages • Teachers from non-endemic European settings recognise the growing risks posed by VBDs, acknowledge the need to educate students, and express strong interest in accessible resources to support this. • Co‑developing clear, tailored teaching resources strengthens public health preparedness by improving teacher confidence, embedding VBD content in lessons, and promoting behaviour‑changing learning.

• Dahl, Cecilie; Madsen, Christian; Omsland, Tone Kristin; Frohn, Lise Marie; Geels, Camilla & Holvik, Kristin [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Air pollution and bone fractures in a high-risk population: differences by age and sex. Environment International. ISSN 0160-4120. 217, s. 110570–110570. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110570. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Purpose: Fracture incidence is high in Norway compared to other European countries. We examined whether ambient air pollution levels are associated with forearm and hip fracture incidence, and whether these associations differed by sex and age. Methods: Register data on 127,799 forearm fractures (age ≥40 years) and 103,754 hip fractures (age ≥50 years) were linked to population data from Statistics Norway (2008–2018). Annual levels of particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were modelled in the NordicWelfAir project using the Urban Background Model and combined via ArcGIS. Fracture Incidence Rate Ratios (IRRs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) by pollutant levels were estimated using Poisson regression, adjusting for education level, marital status, and immigrant background, urban/rural and inland location, health region, and climate, and examining interactions by sex and age (multiplicative and additive). Results: PM2.5 ranged from 0.90–66.1 µg/m3 (mean: 5.5) and NO2 from 0.20–72.2 µg/m3 (mean: 8.1). In the highest PM2.5 tertile compared to the lowest, age- and year-adjusted forearm fracture risk was IRR = 1.22 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.25) in men and IRR = 1.24 (95% CI: 1.22, 1.26) in women. They were partly attenuated after adjusting for annual temperature and geographic variables. Associations with NO2 and with hip fractures were similar, though weaker. Interactions by sex and age were present for both fracture types, most notably a stronger NO2– hip fracture association in individuals aged ≥80 years. Conclusion: Ambient air pollution is associated with fracture risk, even at low exposure levels. The most consistent finding was a stronger association among individuals aged 80 years and above.

• Silvestre, Jacopo Di; Salgado, M. Victoria; Jeon, Jihyoun; Mok, Yoonseo; Holford, Theodore R. & Vedøy, Tord Finne [Vis alle 9 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Age- and sex-specific smoking trends by birth cohort in Norway, 1978–2024: an analysis of cross-sectional survey data. The Lancet Regional Health - Europe. 71. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101886. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Mougin, Vincent; Gray, Authia; Naghavi, Mohsen; Allebeck, Peter; Kinge, Jonas Minet & Wool, Eve E. [Vis alle 9 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Income-related differences in survival across disease categories in Sweden: a retrospective population-based register study. The Lancet Regional Health - Europe. 71. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101896. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Allen-Unhammer, Anna Jane; Vøllestad, Nina Køpke & Mengshoel, Anne Marit (2026). Between a rock and a hard place: balancing roles of clinician and co-researcher in a primary health care setting - A qualitative study. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. 34. doi: 10.1186/s12998-026-00681-9. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background The participation of clinicians in clinical research is necessary, but balancing research and clinical duties can be challenging. We explored chiropractors’ experiences of participating in a clinical trial on spinal manipulation of the neck in primary health care (PHC). Methods A qualitative design was adopted, underpinned by social interactionism. Five virtual focus group interviews were performed between August-November 2023, including 15 chiropractors, who were involved in a clinical trial in PHC. Thematic analysis was applied. Results The interviewees were motivated to participate in the clinical trial to contribute to professional development through investigating the use of spinal manipulation. However, patient recruitment and adherence to the treatment protocol were more difficult than anticipated, especially when patients realised that the treatment would be determined by randomisation and because the chiropractors had to deliver the sham/placebo interventions. The interviewed chiropractors continually negotiated conflicting obligations of clinicians, co-researchers, and breadwinners, shifting loyalties between these roles in response to situational demands. Conclusions The clinicians’ motivations to take part in the trial varied but were in general rooted in a wish to contribute to strengthening the chiropractic profession. The negotiation of multiple roles and shifting loyalties rendered them moral agents. Our findings illustrate the social and relational nature of participating as a co-researcher in a trial conducted in a chiropractic PHC context. Our study also highlights a need for better support systems for research in PHC. This calls for political and organisational will to establish systems that provide necessary support to researchers and clinical co-researchers.

• Veshovda, Solveig; Richardsen, Kåre Rønn; Andersen, Marit Helen; Øiestad, Britt Elin; Eik, Hedda & Riiser, Kirsti (2026). Health literacy among adolescents: a cluster analysis. Frontiers in Public Health. 14, s. 1–11. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1853107. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Adolescents represent a critical target group for health literacy (HL) research, as this stage of life involves increasing independence and responsibility for personal health behaviors. The growing burden of health challenges among adolescents highlights the importance of HL, as it equips individuals to navigate such challenges and actively engage with their health. Despite growing recognition of HL as a critical determinant of health, research on adolescent HL remains limited. This study aimed to describe HL among adolescents aged 14–16 years and to identify and characterize HL cluster affiliations. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included adolescents aged 14–16 years across six schools in Southern Norway. Data were collected between March and September 2023 using a web-based questionnaire. The study employed the Health Literacy for School-Aged Children (HLSAC) instrument (range 10–40). HL clusters were identified based on the instrument’s five core HL components (theoretical knowledge, practical knowledge, individual critical thinking, self-awareness, and citizenship) using Ward’s method. We employed multiple multinomial regression analyses to examine factors associated with different cluster affiliations. Results: The total sample’s ( n  = 440) mean score for HL was 31.6. The analysis indicated four HL clusters, reflecting ordered levels of HL, from low (Cluster A) to high (Cluster D). Adolescents with higher academic ambitions and fathers with a higher educational level had a lower relative risk (RRR) of being affiliated with the lowest HL cluster. Males had a lower RRR than females of being affiliated with the second-lowest HL cluster compared to the highest HL cluster. Conclusion: This study used cluster analysis to examine HL among adolescents, identifying four HL clusters ranging from low to high. The findings reveal social influences on HL, such as academic ambition and parental education, and how health determinants might shape its distribution at the population level. These data-driven insights underscore the need for further research into health outcomes.

• Rebnord, Ingrid Keilegavlen; Llor, Carl; Floriano, Fabiana Raynal; Hansen, Malene Plejdrup; Lykkegaard, Jesper & Olsen, Jonas [Vis alle 15 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Impact of a multifaceted intervention programme on antibiotic prescribing in out-of-hours primary care in five European countries: secondary analyses of the HAPPY PATIENT project. JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance (JAC-AMR). 8(5). doi: 10.1093/jacamr/dlag219. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat, driven mainly by excessive and inappropriate antibiotic use. As most antibiotics are prescribed outside hospitals, primary care measures are crucial for reducing use. The study aimed to investigate diagnostic coding and antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract (RTI) and urinary tract (UTI) infections treated in out-of-hours clinics before and after a multifaceted intervention. Methods: Audit and feedback with analyses of prescription data from five out-of-hours clinics in Europe before and after a multifaceted intervention. The intervention consisted of an audit with reports and feedback to the prescriber, participation in workshops, communication and e-learning courses, and distribution of information materials to patients. Results: A total of 67 physicians recorded 1786 cases in the first period and 1820 in the second. Common cold/influenza was the most frequent diagnosis, increasing from 19.4% (95% CI 18–21) in the first to 28.7% (95% CI 27–31) in the second period. COVID-19 declined by 65.7% (P &lt; 0.001), while pharyngotonsillitis increased by 31.7% (P = 0.001). The intervention did not alter the overall antibiotic prescribing rate for RTIs (49.3% versus 48.7%, P = 0.748), and more than three-quarters of RTI prescriptions were judged unnecessary or inappropriate. For UTIs, the use of first-line antibiotics increased significantly from 70.0% to 79.5% (P = 0.027). Conclusions: The study provided important insights into which RTIs are potentially inappropriately treated with antibiotics, although the intervention did not produce a statistically significant reduction in antibiotic prescribing. Positively, the use of first-line antibiotics for UTIs increased significantly.

• Zulu, Gideon; Mwape, Kabemba Evans; Welte, Tamara Margarete; Stelzle, Dominik; Simuunza, Martin & Prucker, Philipp [Vis alle 13 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Cysticercosis and neurocysticercosis in Eastern Zambia: A cross-sectional, community-based study. IJID Regions. 21, s. 1–9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.101018. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Olsen, Bjørn Christian Elias Grova; Hagen, Milada; Opheim, Randi; Kristensen, Vendel Ailin; Lund, Charlotte & Aabrekk, Tone Bergene [Vis alle 21 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Health-related quality of life after diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease: 3-year trajectories and factors associated with clinically meaningful improvement (the IBSEN III cohort). Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. ISSN 1078-0998. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izag196. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background Evidence for the clinical importance of changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over time in unselected patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) is limited. We aimed to describe HRQoL trajectories, determine clinically meaningful HRQoL improvement, and identify factors associated with such improvement during the first 3 years after diagnosis. Methods Adults with UC and CD from a population-based inception cohort completed the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) at inclusion and at the 1-year and 3-year follow-ups. HRQoL trajectories were estimated using linear mixed-effects models. Clinically meaningful improvement was defined using established minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds (IBDQ ≥16; SF-36 physical and mental component summary scores ≥3). Associations between prespecified variables and MCID achievement at follow-up were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Results Among 1016 patients (UC: 68%; CD: 32%), IBDQ and SF-36 physical and mental component summary scores improved at both follow-ups, and approximately half of the patients achieved the corresponding MCID thresholds. HRQoL scores remained below general Norwegian population norms, and trajectories were similar for UC and CD. Symptomatic remission was consistently associated with higher odds of clinically meaningful HRQoL improvement, whereas depressive symptoms, substantial fatigue, and irritable bowel–like symptoms were associated with lower odds. Endoscopic remission, biologic therapy, and bowel surgery during the first year were not significantly associated with clinically meaningful improvement. Conclusions Clinically meaningful HRQoL improvement was achieved by about half of the patients and was consistently associated with lower symptom and psychosocial burden.

• Santervas, Leonor Roa; Skovlund, Eva; Ringstad, Ingrid Beate; Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Fjeld, Katrine Gahre & Hove, Lene Hystad [Vis alle 9 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Frailty in relation to general and oral health-related quality of life among older adults in municipal acute care. Journal of Frailty & Aging (JFA). ISSN 2260-1341. 15(5). doi: 10.1016/j.tjfa.2026.100207. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Frailty is associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults, but studies rarely assess general and oral HRQoL concurrently in acute care populations. Objectives: To examine the associations between frailty and general as well as oral HRQoL among older adults admitted to a municipal in-patient acute care (MipAC) unit. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Oslo MipAC unit, Norway. Participants: A total of 382 patients aged 70 years or older admitted to the MipAC unit between January and September 2023. Measurements: Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). General HRQoL was measured with the 15D instrument and a single-item global life satisfaction question. Oral HRQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP 14). Associations between frailty and HRQoL were analyzed using linear, ordinal logistic, and binary logistic regression. Exploratory analyses of 15D and OHIP-14 dimensions were performed using non-parametric trend tests. Results: Increasing frailty was significantly associated with lower 15D scores (adjusted B -0.053, 95% CI -0.061 to -0.045), higher odds of lower life satisfaction (adjusted OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.39), and higher odds of reporting oral health impacts on the OHIP-14 (adjusted OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.48). Most 15D dimensions declined with increasing frailty, except distress. For OHIP-14, significant associations were observed for functional limitation, physical pain, and psychological disability. Conclusions: Frailty assessed with the CFS was consistently associated with reduced general and oral HRQoL in older adults admitted to a MipAC unit. These findings support the clinical relevance of simple frailty assessment during acute admission and suggest that it may help identify patients at risk of poorer quality of life.

• Bekele, Rahel; Moen, Anne; Belina, Merga; Saranto, Kaija & Berhane, Kiros (2026). Determinants of collaboration dynamics and challenges in North-South data-driven health research in the African context: an epistemic injustice perspective. Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics. 11. doi: 10.3389/frma.2026.1885894. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Sahay, Sundeep; Modgil, Vinay & Mukherjee, Arunima Sehgal (2026). Antimicrobial Resistance: Informational Challenges and Opportunities for ICT4D Research and Practice. I Thapa, Devinder & Pandey, Priyanka (Red.), Reorienting the Digital: Ethics, Ontology, and Sustainable Futures. Springer Nature. ISSN 9783032309822. s. 479–494. doi: 10.1007/978-3-032-30982-2_32. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Modgil, Vinay; Mukherjee, Arunima Sehgal & Sahay, Sundeep (2026). Strengthening AMR Surveillance Through Information Infrastructures: Insights from a Multi-seasonal Point Prevalence Survey in an Indian Public Hospital. I Thapa, Devinder & Pandey, Priyanka (Red.), Reorienting the Digital: Ethics, Ontology, and Sustainable Futures. Springer Nature. ISSN 9783032309426. s. 576–593. doi: 10.1007/978-3-032-30942-6_40. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

• Wilson, Marte; Michalsen, Henriette; Anke, Audny Gabriele Wagner; Pedersen, Synne Garder; Espinasse, Marina & Langeland, Nina [Vis alle 11 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Effectiveness of tailored individual follow-up vs. standard one-day group course on health-related quality of life in patients with post COVID-19 condition: a randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences. 7. doi: 10.3389/fresc.2026.1927300. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Post COVID-19 condition (PCC), is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue and cognitive problems. Symptoms may lead to disability in everyday life and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Evidence for effective rehabilitation strategies for this patient group remains limited. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of tailored individual follow-up compared with a standard one-day group course, both based on cognitive behavioral approach, in patients with PCC 6 months after the intervention. Methods: A single-center, parallel-group, superiority randomized controlled trial (1:1) was conducted among outpatients aged 18–65 years with PCC. Patients were randomized to either a rehabilitation program with individual follow-up over 6–8 weeks or a standard one-day multidisciplinary self-management group course. Both groups were introduced to graded activity based on principles from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and were offered the app “My COVID rehabilitation”. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in patient reported HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L-index score) at 6 months. Secondary self-reported outcomes included fatigue measured with the Chalder Fatigue Scale, EQ-VAS, and symptom registration. Neuropsychological function was assessed with objective neuropsychological tests. Results: 60 participants were randomized, the mean age was 46 years (22–66 years), and 43 (72%) were female. Outcome assessments were completed for the primary outcome for 29 participants in each arm. No significant between-group difference was found in the primary outcome (score difference EQ-5D-5L-index =0.07; 95% CI [-0.18,.04]; p = .11). The adjusted linear model confirmed the absence of significant difference between groups. No persistent significant group differences were observed for any secondary outcomes. Both groups showed statistically and clinically significant sustained improvements in fatigue and EQ-VAS, as well as significant reductions in the number of symptoms. Within neuropsychological test, both groups demonstrated significant improvement in episodic memory (RAVLT), and the standard course group additionally showed significant improvement in attention (CPT). Conclusion: Tailored individual follow-up was not more effective than a standard one-day group course in improving HRQoL in PCC, both based on principles of CBT. However, significant improvements in both groups were observed in several secondary outcomes, including some objective neuropsychological tests. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.

• Hofstad, Tore; Nyttingnes, Olav; Blindheim, Anne Alnes; Håheim, Eirik; Aarre, Trond F. & Rugkåsa, Jorun [Vis alle 8 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Long-term health, criminal justice, and socioeconomic outcomes among people subject to compulsory mental health care in Norway: a nationwide registry cohort study. The Lancet Psychiatry. ISSN 2215-0374. 13(11), s. 919–930. doi: 10.1016/s2215-0366(26)00275-0. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Evidence on long-term outcomes following compulsory mental health care remains limited, particularly beyond hospital readmission and service use. This nationwide Norwegian registry cohort study examined health, criminal justice, and socioeconomic outcomes among 321,708 individuals aged 18–65 years. Participants were classified into five mutually exclusive groups based on care received during 2015–2016: community treatment orders (CTOs), compulsory hospitalisation without CTOs, compulsory observation without compulsory hospitalisation or CTOs, voluntary specialist mental health care, and general population comparators without specialist mental health-care contact during the inclusion period. Linked national registries provided follow-up through 2021–2023, depending on the outcome. Regression analyses estimated sex-specific outcome probabilities adjusted for birth year. All three compulsory care groups experienced substantially poorer long-term outcomes than the voluntary care and general population groups, including higher mortality, self-harm or suicide, substance use disorders, victimisation, criminal justice involvement, and socioeconomic disadvantage. However, outcome profiles differed considerably between compulsory care groups. The compulsory observation group had the highest adjusted probabilities of self-harm or suicide, substance use disorder, and victimisation. The CTO group showed particularly pronounced socioeconomic disadvantage, with adjusted probabilities of disability benefit receipt of 89% among female participants and 93% among male participants. Nevertheless, a substantial minority of disability benefit recipients across compulsory care groups also had employment income. The findings demonstrate that legally defined compulsory care groups represent distinct prognostic populations with different long-term support needs. They provide benchmarks for service planning and highlight the importance of coordinated mental health, substance use, housing, welfare, and vocational support. The study is descriptive and prognostic; observed differences may reflect pre-existing clinical and social circumstances and cannot establish the causal effects of compulsory care.

• Thomassen, Jesper Qvist; Leonard, Hampton; Ulms, Brittany; Grenier-Boley, Benjamin; Heikkinen, Sami & Garcia-González, Pablo [Vis alle 133 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). APOE-stratified genome-wide association analyses provide insights into the genetic etiology of Alzheimers’s disease. Nature Genetics. ISSN 1061-4036. 58(10), s. 2484–2484. doi: 10.1038/s41588-026-02713-9. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Among the more than 90 identified genetic risk loci for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias, the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene ɛ2/ɛ3/ɛ4 polymorphisms remain the longstanding benchmark for genetic disease risk with a consistently large effect across studies1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. Despite this massive signal, the exact mechanisms by which ɛ4 increases and ɛ2 decreases dementia risk remain poorly understood. Notably, recent trials of anti-amyloid therapies suggest less efficacy and higher risks of severe side effects in ε4 carriers11,12,13, hampering the treatment of those with the highest unmet need. To improve our understanding of the genetic architecture of AD in the context of its main genetic driver, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWASs) stratified by ε4 and ε2 carrier status. HP1BP3, SLC50A1, PTPRC, NPAS3, DDHD1, CHST9, SMYD2, PRAMEF1 and GFRA1 emerged as new genomic signals for AD risk, appearing only when stratified by APOE carrier status. DDHD1 appeared especially promising, showing protective effects in ε4 carriers, being identified as an expression quantitative trait locus and being involved in rare neuronal diseases. Such APOE-stratified insights may help understand and overcome side effects, inform clinical trial enrollment strategies, and create the scientific basis for targeted, mechanism-driven therapies in neurodegenerative diseases.

• Yusuf, Mariam Florence (2026). COVID-19 Vaccination, Reproductive Vigilance, and the Afterlives of Extraction. Anthropology Today. ISSN 0268-540X. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Siqueira, José F.; Neves, Monica S.; Provenzano, José C.; Campello, Andrea F.; Mdala, Ibrahimu & Alves, Flávio R.F. [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Factors Influencing the Outcome of Root Canal Treatment of Teeth With Apical Periodontitis as Related to Molecular Microbiological Findings. Journal of Endodontics. ISSN 0099-2399. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2026.09.002. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hermansen, Karin Berg; Sævareid, Trygve Johannes Lereim; Pedersen, Reidar; Alnes, Rigmor Grete Einang; Brøderud, Linn & Romøren, Maria [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Healthcare professionals’ experiences of advance care planning conversations with frail older adults admitted to acute geriatric hospital units: a nested qualitative study. BMC Health Services Research. 26. doi: 10.1186/s12913-026-15112-x. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Advance care planning can support frail older adults, their next of kin, and healthcare professionals by clarifying patients’ values and preferences and improving communication toward the end of life. Despite these benefits, advance care planning remains underutilized, particularly among frail older adults with complex needs. Limited research has explored healthcare professionals’ experiences with initiating it in acute geriatric settings. As part of a broader research project focused on implementing advance care planning for older adults admitted to acute geriatric hospital units, this study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ experiences with initiating these conversations. Methods: A qualitative sub-study, nested within a cluster randomized controlled trial, was conducted with implementation teams and other healthcare professionals from the six geriatric units in the intervention arm. They had recently started engaging in advance care planning with frail, acutely ill older patients and their next of kin. Data were collected through four focus groups and four dyadic interviews, involving a total of 24 participants. The data was analysed by using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes developed as perceived benefits: (1) Amplifies the patients’ voice, (2) Improves communication with next of kin, (3) Influences treatment decisions and may avoid overtreatment (4) Contributes to meaningful work. Two themes developed as perceived challenges: (1) Uncertainty regarding the ACP documentation, (2) ACP conversations require dedicated time and focus. Conclusion: This study revealed that advance care planning conversations in acute geriatric hospital units can amplify patients’ voices and promote their participation in decision-making. Discussions about existential topics appear beneficial and rewarding for patients, next of kin and healthcare professionals, both for in-moment and future decisions. Time constraints may have led to missed opportunities to initiate ACP conversations with patients before the end of life, while documentation issues may have limited their impact on continuity of care. Trial registration https://ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05681585. Registered 03.01.23.

• Modgil, Vinay; Sahay, Sundeep; Mukherjee, Arunima Sehgal; Surial, Rashmi; Sinha, Oshin & Kumar, Sahil [Vis alle 8 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). A multi-seasonal mixed-method point-prevalence study of antibiotic prescription patterns in a tertiary healthcare facility in India. EMJ Microbiology & Infectious Diseases . s. 52–55. doi: 10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfect-dis/U7FIRX2K. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Abstract Background Point prevalence surveys (PPS) are a core tool of the WHO Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), yet their implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains limited by weak prescribing and surveillance systems. We conducted a multiseasonal mixed-method PPS, integrating quantitative prescribing data with qualitative ward observations, and the behavioural and operational factors shaping antibiotic prescribing and use of culture testing in a tertiary-care hospital in northern India. Methods A hospital-wide PPS was conducted across autumn (November 2023), summer (April 2024), monsoon (August 2024), and winter (January 2025), with each phase comprising a two-week data collection episode, following WHO Global-PPS methodology. Data were collected from five inpatient departments (Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics-Gynaecology, adult, paediatric, and neonatal intensive care units (ICUs) using standardised forms. Quantitative data on indications, routes, and AWaRe categories were supplemented with ward observations and inpatient follow-up to assess culture testing, antibiotic sensitivity test (AST) use, and treatment modifications. Results A total of 1,680 inpatients were surveyed. Ceftriaxone (30–33%), Piperacillin–tazobactam (9–20%), and Doxycycline (8–16%) were the top prescribed antibiotics. Azithromycin use dropped sharply after the first phase. Amikacin (6–9%) and Meropenem prescribing (4–7%) remained low. Empirical prescribing dominated (63–67%), while culture-guided therapy remained ≤ 6%. Over 80% of antibiotics were given parenterally. Watch antibiotics accounted for 46–56% of prescriptions, Access 35–51%, and Reserve ≤ 4%. Prophylactic use ranged from 24–30%, and combination therapy was common in the ICU. Clinical diagnoses showed seasonal variation, with gastrointestinal (20–22%) and chronic conditions (17–23%) most frequent, and respiratory infections (3–9%) peaking in monsoon and winter. Antibiotic modification following AST occurred in only 4.7–6.5% of cases. Qualitative findings highlighted stock-outs of oral antibiotics, delays in culture sampling, and documentation gaps during patient transfers, limited stewardship activities, collectively reinforcing broad-spectrum empirical use. Conclusions This PPS found high empirical and broad-spectrum antibiotic use, limited culture-based prescribing, and systemic gaps hindering stewardship. Strengthening diagnostic access and use, ensuring drug availability, and embedding multidisciplinary stewardship teams with real-time feedback are essential to promote evidence-based prescribing in resource-limited settings.

• Birkeli, Gørill; Thomas, Owen Matthew Truscott; Ballangrud, Randi; Deilkås, Ellen Catharina Tveter & Lindahl, Anne Karin (2026). No effect of learning from excellence on patient safety culture in a postanaesthesia care unit: a longitudinal quasi-experimental study. BMC Health Services Research. 26(1). doi: 10.1186/s12913-026-15405-1. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Modgil, Vinay; Sahay, Sundeep; Singh, Ravikant; Mukherjee, Arunima Sehgal; Surial, Rashmi & Bhoi, Bibekananda (2026). Health-system drivers of outpatient antibiotic use: evidence from prescribing, centralized supply, and catchment populations in public tertiary hospitals in Bihar, India. Frontiers in Health Services. 6. doi: 10.3389/frhs.2026.1800794. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), antibiotic use is shaped not only by clinical decision-making but also by health-system factors such as centralized drug procurement, supply availability, and population catchment pressures. However, empirical evidence linking outpatient prescribing patterns with state-level antibiotic supply and catchment characteristics remains limited. Bihar, one of India's most populous and resource-constrained states, represents a critical yet under-studied setting for understanding these interactions. Methods: We conducted a multicentre observational study across three public tertiary care hospitals in Bihar, SKMCH Muzaffarpur, DMCH Darbhanga, and JLNMCH Bhagalpur, using outpatient prescription data collected between 2023 and 2025 (n = 8,822). These data were triangulated with state-level antibiotic supply records from the Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BMSICL) for 2022–2025 and secondary data describing hospital catchment populations. Prescribing indicators, WHO AWaRe classification, essential drug list (EDL) status, and supply–prescription concordance were analysed to assess alignment with antimicrobial stewardship goals. Results: Across all sites, outpatient antibiotic use was characterized by high polypharmacy (4–4.7 drugs per prescription), extensive empirical prescribing, and minimal use of culture-based diagnostics (≤2.6%). Broad-spectrum antibiotics dominated prescribing, with Amoxicillin–Clavulanic acid (42.8%), Azithromycin (13.1%), and Cefixime (6.9%) being most frequently used. While Access-category antibiotic use exceeded 50% at two sites, Watch-category use was disproportionately high at JLNMCH (58%), a hospital serving an extensive rural catchment with long patient travel times. Supply–prescription analysis revealed strong alignment for commonly used antibiotics, indicating stable state-level procurement patterns; however, the continued use of Watch-category and non-EDL antibiotics, including Moxifloxacin, raised stewardship concerns. Notably, irrational fixed-dose combinations were prescribed despite not being supplied, indicating parallel private-sector access. Generic prescribing exceeded 97% across all sites, reflecting a positive institutional norm. Conclusions: Antibiotic prescribing in Bihar's public tertiary hospitals is influenced by the interactions of centralized supply stability, diagnostic constraints, and catchment-level pressures rather than prescriber behaviour alone. Persistent availability of broad-spectrum antibiotics through state procurement may be associated with entrenched prescribing patterns, particularly in high-volume, rural-serving facilities. Effective antimicrobial stewardship in such settings requires context-sensitive strategies that integrate supply-chain reform, strengthened diagnostic pathways, and locally tailored prescriber support, moving beyond uniform, guideline-only approaches.

• Triantafyllou, Konstantinos; Tziatzios, Georgios; Tham, Tony C.; Beilenhoff, Ulrike; Lorenzo-Zúñiga, Vicente & Pouw, Roos E. [Vis alle 24 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) Guideline. Endoscopy. ISSN 0013-726X. doi: 10.1055/a-2898-6540. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Lothe, Lise Raven; Raven, Timothy John Lothe; Sandbæk, Gunnar & Eken, Torsten (2026). Spinal manipulation in acute low back pain patients is associated with reduced motor-unit firing variability without altering bilateral coordination: a single-motor-unit EMG study of the lumbar multifidus. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. 34. doi: 10.1186/s12998-026-00664-w. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background The neurophysiology of high velocity, low amplitude spinal manipulation (HVLA-SM) is poorly understood. We have characterized motor unit (MU) discharge in acute low back pain (ALBP) patients after spinal manipulation and compared with pre-manipulation findings in the same subjects. Methods Fine-wire electrodes were implanted bilaterally into the deep lumbar multifidus muscle at the painful spinal level in 9 ALBP patients with pain of less than three weeks duration in March–April 2007. HVLA-SM was applied to the painful spinal level. EMG activity was recorded during manipulation and during spontaneous and voluntary force production while standing and sitting, and individual MUs were identified and their discharge characteristics described. All subjects were compared to their own data recorded before HVLA-SM for effects on gross EMG activity duration, MU discharge rate, interspike interval variability quantified as inter-quartile range for differences between consecutive inter-spike intervals (∆ISI IQR), and common drive coefficient between concurrently active MUs. Results No effects on MU discharge rate were evident in the first seconds after HVLA-SM. ∆ISI IQR was reduced by 5.25 ms (95% confidence interval 0.68–9.82; P = 0.025) after spinal manipulation compared with pre-manipulation findings, while median MU discharge rate and total duration of gross activity remained unchanged. Notably, the common drive coefficient was lower for bilateral than unilateral MU pairs (− 0.149; 95% confidence interval − 0.087 to − 0.210; P < 0.0001). This is in agreement with findings in the same ALBP population before HVLA-SM and in contrast to previous findings during spontaneous standing in pain free subjects, where common drive to uni- and bilateral pairs was not significantly different. MUs showed signs of self-sustained firing, but rotation between units was not observed. Conclusions We have established a methodological framework for future investigations using spontaneous muscle activity rather than forced movements to understand the influence of spinal manipulation on the role of the nervous system in postural support. HVLA-SM was associated with reduced MU firing variability, suggesting a shift toward more stable motoneuron output in the deep lumbar multifidus. Longitudinal recovery data are needed to discriminate whether the reduced common drive to bilateral muscle pairs represents a pre-existing trait or a pain-driven state.

• Hofmann, Bjørn Morten (2026). On the tetrad of human malady: disease, illness, sickness, and existential suffering. Medicine, Health care and Philosophy. ISSN 1386-7423. s. 1–12. doi: 10.1007/s11019-026-10397-5. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The triad of disease, illness, and sickness is well established in the philosophy, sociology, and anthropology of medicine as well as in clinical practice. Nonetheless, the triad is criticized for being too simplistic and for excluding important aspects of human suffering. One such critique is that it does not account for existential suffering, which is especially relevant in severe and life-threatening diseases. Accordingly, this study investigates whether existential suffering adds to the concepts of disease, illness, and sickness making up a tetrad of human malady. To do so, I investigate the concept of existential suffering, which is frequently described in medical terms, is diagnosed, acknowledged by health professionals, managed in treatments and care, and recognized in disease classification systems. Then I present ontological, epistemological, conceptual, normative, and pragmatic justifications for extending the triad of disease, illness, and sickness with existential suffering. Lastly, I will discuss counterarguments and objections to the various justifications. I conclude that on specific premises existential suffering can be a relevant extension of the triad to a tetrad of human malady, especially in cases of severe and life-threatening disease, but that we need to avoid medicalizing existential suffering and making health professionals masters over human meaning-making.

• Løvås, Ina; Landmark, Tormod; Rustøen, Tone; Vedul-Kjelsås, Einar; Butler, Stephen H. & Glette, Mari [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Distribution of chronic primary and secondary pain in a patient sample with psychiatric disorders. Scandinavian Journal of Pain. ISSN 1877-8860. 26(1). doi: 10.1515/sjpain-2026-0025.
• Pedersen, Erlend Refseth; Anke, Audny Gabriele Wagner; Olsen, Monica Isabel Benedikte & Søndenaa, Erik (2026). Characteristics associated with the use of specialized mental healthcare by Norwegian adults with intellectual disability: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Services Research. 26(1). doi: 10.1186/s12913-026-14713-w. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Rostad, Hanne Marie; Skinner, Marianne Sundlisæter; Burrell, Lisa Victoria; Yang, Fan; Tjerbo, Trond & Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2026). Explaining Variation in the Percentage of Admissions for Patients Aged 80 and Over in Municipal InPatient Acute Care Services: A Cross-Sectional Analysis From Norway. Health Services Insights (HSI Journal). 19, s. 1–12. doi: 10.1177/11786329261490712. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Municipal Inpatient Acute Care (MIPAC) units in Norway provide short-term inpatient services, but structural and contextual disparities, spanning resources, competence, and accessibility, may affect utilization patterns. Objectives: To examine to what extent variation in the percentage of admissions involving patients aged ≥80 years across MIPAC units is associated with structural and contextual conditions. Design: Cross-sectional study using aggregated register and survey data. Methods The analytical sample included 147 MIPAC units, corresponding to 68% of the 215 units in the administrative dataset. Descriptive statistics describe sample characteristics and admissions by age group. Pearson correlations assessed interrelationships and multicollinearity before regression analysis. Results: The model explained 38% of the variance. Unit location, registered nurse coverage, and driving distance to the nearest emergency department were associated with the percentage of admissions involving patients aged ≥80 years. Units located in GP out-of-hours clinics had a lower percentage compared to nursing home–based units (B = -17.12, 95% CI [-23.51 to -10.73], β =-0.41, p < 0.001). Greater registered nurse coverage (B = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.22 to -0.02], β = -0.18, p = 0.021) and longer driving distance to the nearest emergency department (B = -0.07, 95% CI [-0.11 to -0.04], β = -0.31, p < 0.001) were also associated with lower percentages. The estimate for the proportion of adults ≥80 years in the MIPAC catchment area was positive, but uncertain, as the confidence interval included zero (B = 1.76, 95% CI [-0.06 to 3.57], β = 0.20, p = 0.057). Conclusion: MIPAC admission patterns for the oldest patients were associated with both service configuration and local context. These findings highlight variation in the use of MIPAC services across different units. Future research should examine how structural and contextual factors are related to patterns of MIPAC utilization and explore the mechanisms underlying these associations.

• Heen, Espen Kolstad; Kalvik, Skjalg Tønnessen; Clarke, Sara; Davis, Rachel C.; List, Saskia S. & Chappell, Kendal Gordon [Vis alle 10 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Design, methods and populations of the CURV-24 study: a global systematic review and meta-analysis of 24-h urine volume and creatinine excretion in community-dwelling adults. Frontiers in Public Health. 14, s. 1–17. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1892695. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Introduction Urinary biomarker concentrations are increasingly used to assess intake, exposure or excretion, often by applying pre-specified 24-h urine volume values or normalization to creatinine based on prediction-derived estimates. However, both urine volume and creatinine excretion rates can vary substantially by sex, BMI, protein and salt intake, ethnicity, food culture, and short- and long-term climate. Ignoring such population-level differences may bias temporal, spatial, and cross population comparisons and undermine the validity of fixed reference ranges. CURV-24 is a global systematic review and meta-analysis designed to investigate this variability and its determinants in community-dwelling populations. The aim of the current article is to present the design and methods of CURV-24. We further describe the included studies and populations. Taken together, readers should be positioned to assess the quality and representativeness of the study data in the forthcoming meta-analyses. Methods Using a broad, piloted syntax, we searched multiple bibliographic databases and registries (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, WHO Global Index Medicus, EBSCO Global Health, Cochrane, PROSPERO) without lan guage restrictions. Records published between 2015 and 2024 were investigated. We included primary studies with at least one timed 24-h urine collection from non-manipulated everyday conditions. Extensive efforts were made to identify companion reports and complementary datasets from authors and repositories. A tailored risk-of-bias and certainty-of-evidence framework, adapted from Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), was developed to address population, collection, and analytical biases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) have guided the development and reporting plans of the project. Results The final dataset comprises 212 studies from 71 countries and 234 national populations, including approximately 270,000 individuals, of whom three-quarters were studied after 2010. About half of the studies examined more than 200 participants and one third used census-based probability sampling. Complete subpopulation data by sex, age, location, and ethnicity are available from a substantial subset of studies. Discussion CURV-24 provides the most extensive synthesis to date of 24-h urine volume and creatinine excretion in populations worldwide. The project is positioned to improve hydration adjustment of urinary biomarkers, challenge fixed “one-size fits-all” assumptions and inform future best-practice guidelines in epidemiologi cal biomarker research. Looking ahead, CURV-24 has the potential to generate hypotheses on the relationship between climate and human hydration. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024495900 .

• Bodal, Elen; Olsen, Nora Marie Temte; Olsen, Thomas; Edvardsen, Hilde Marie Erøy; Clausen, Thomas & Skurtveit, Svetlana Ondrasova [Vis alle 8 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Medical and non-medical gabapentinoid use in fatal drug poisonings in Norway: Linked postmortem toxicology and prescription data. Forensic Science International. ISSN 0379-0738. 389, s. 1–8. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.113143. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hofsø, Kristin; Rustøen, Tone; Bjordal, Kristin; Hagen, Milada; Aouizerat, B. & Astrup, Guro Lindviksmoen (2026). Association between symptom experience and long-term survival in people treated for cancer. ESMO Open. 11(10), s. 1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2026.108579. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Aars, Ole Kristian & Iversen, Tor (2026). Can nudging increase the uptake of recommended health services? PEC Innovation. 9. doi: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2026.100508. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Objective Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) represents a significant threat to global public health. When supported by their general practitioner (GP), patients who self-manage effectively can prevent or delay serious complications. This study examines whether an innovative information initiative can nudge members of the Norwegian Diabetes Association (NDA) with T2DM to schedule a comprehensive annual checkup with their GP. Methods We randomized 12,484 NDA members with T2DM into an intervention group with two subgroups and a control group with two subgroups. The intervention group received a message describing the health benefits of a comprehensive checkup, a link to an explanatory video, and a prompt to contact their GP to book an appointment. One intervention subgroup received an email followed by an SMS reminder 1 week later (Group 1); the other intervention subgroup received both messages by SMS (Group 2). The control group received no information. All groups were sent a questionnaire 4 weeks after the initial message. Results The overall effect of the intervention was 3.5 percentage points (p = 0.020). Participants in intervention Group 1 initiated a comprehensive annual checkup 4.2 percentage points (p = 0.024) more often than the control group. For Group 2, we did not find a statistically significant effect of the intervention. Conclusion This intervention nudging patients with T2DM to initiate a comprehensive annual checkup had a significant effect, particularly for the group that received initial information by email and a reminder by SMS. Innovation This study adds to the emerging literature on low-cost digital interventions by demonstrating that brief, scalable digital information can increase uptake of guideline-recommended preventive care among patients with T2DM. The findings suggest that such interventions may offer a cost-effective approach to increasing preventive-care uptake, which could in turn help reduce diabetes-related complications at the population level.

• Kildal, Olav Aga; Hollung, Sandra Julsen; Jaioun, Keson & Andersen, Guro Lillemoen (2026). Muscle tone and pain in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. ISSN 0012-1622. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.70548. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Aim To investigate associations between muscle tone measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and pain in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Method Children (aged 0–17 years; mean age 10 years 2 months) in the Norwegian Quality and Surveillance Registry for Cerebral Palsy with physical therapy assessments between 2018 and 2021 were included ( n  = 1188; 42.3% female) in this population‐based cross‐sectional study. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between MAS scores and pain. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results Pain was experienced by 41.4% ( n  = 492). Risk of pain was highest in children classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System level V (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.21–2.70) and Manual Ability Classification System level V (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.25–3.16), children with bilateral spastic CP (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.06–1.68) and increasing age (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.09–1.15). Pain interfered with sleep in 24.8% ( n  = 122) of children and activities of daily living (ADLs) in 53.0% ( n  = 261) of children. An MAS score of 2 or greater was recorded in 42.3% ( n  = 502), most often in the ankle plantar flexors. Adjusted analyses showed that the highest MAS score was associated with pain interfering with ADLs (adjusted OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.00–1.96), and an MAS score of 2 or greater with higher pain intensity (adjusted OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.01–1.42). Interpretation Pain is common in children with spastic CP, frequently disrupting sleep and ADLs. Higher MAS scores are modestly associated with increased pain intensity and interference, highlighting the need for targeted pain screening strategies.

• Tingvold, Laila; Hellesø, Ragnhild; Obstfelder, Aud Uhlen & Stokke, Randi (2026). When standards fall short: The use of discretion and just allocation of long-term care services in Norway. BMC Health Services Research. 26. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Care administrators in long-term care (LTC) are ‘gatekeepers’ to the services and handle applications, investigate care needs, and decide if, what and how much services applicants are entitled to receive. Various models of service allocation have been in operation in the Nordic countries since the inception of LTC services in the 1970s. The main drivers of the development of allocation models have been concerns about service inequality among users, quality of care, patient safety, and the overall efficiency within healthcare settings. While care administrators have several laws and guidelines to aid their decision-making, the use of professional discretion is known to be widespread but less investigated. In the context of Norway, this article seeks to explore: What guides care administrators in reaching decisions? How and in which circumstances is the use of discretion needed in making decisions? Method: Qualitative in-depth interviews with 5 managers in care administration and 13 care administrators in 5 Norwegian municipalities. The material was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Two main themes were identified. These are Negotiating standards with discretion and collegial discussion, and Complexities in deciding needs and services. Conclusion: Care administrators hold significant responsibility in ensuring fair service allocation. Discretion is a necessary and valuable tool that can strengthen the integrity and trustworthiness of care services. However, increased reforms and standardisation place heavy pressure on administrators, limiting their discretion through stricter allocation criteria. This may reduce their ability to act in the best interests of service applicants in line with the fiduciary principle.

• Dalene, Knut Eirik; Lergenmuller, Simon; Stigum, Hein; Meyer, Haakon Eduard; Nystad, Wenche & Larsen, Inger Kristin [Vis alle 12 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Joint association of risk factor clustering and socioeconomic position with non-communicable disease mortality risk: a prospective cohort study of 576 299 Norwegian men and women in the NCDNOR project. BMJ Public Health. 4(2). doi: 10.1136/bmjph-2025-004101. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Introduction: Well-known non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors tend to cluster, forming groups with similar ‘risk factor phenotypes’. However, the characterisation of such clusters and the role of socioeconomic position (SEP) in modifying their associations with NCDs still remain unclear. Methods: We utilised data on smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride from health examination surveys conducted in Norwegian adults from 1974 to 2019 (n=5 76 299; age 20–65 years; 64% participation; 52% women) linked to registry data on education, income and mortality (follow-up through 2020). We identified risk factor clusters using latent profile analyses and used flexible parametric survival models to estimate differences in mean age at NCD death across sex, different birth years and SEP (education and income levels). Results: We identified four distinct clusters containing 44% (‘healthy’), 45% (‘suboptimal’), 4% (‘dyslipidaemics’) and 7% (‘hypertensives’) of the study sample, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 26 years, 61 241 died from an NCD. Compared with the cluster with the healthiest profile, other clusters had markedly shorter survival across sex and different birth cohorts. However, differences were also substantially modified by SEP: we estimated that individuals with primary education or low income died several years earlier than individuals with tertiary education or high income within each of the four risk factor clusters. Conclusions: Our findings show how NCD risk factors cluster and how SEP modifies the association between this clustering and NCD mortality. The substantial influence of SEP highlights the need for public health strategies that focus not only on changing behavioural and metabolic risk factors but also on addressing socioeconomic disparities to effectively reduce the burden of NCDs.

• Yaqub, Sheraz; Valberg, Morten; Bjørnbeth, Bjørn Atle; Angelsen, Jon-Helge; Brudvik, Kristoffer Watten & Eilertsen, Ina [Vis alle 43 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Aspirin after curative-intent treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases (ASAC): a multicentre, phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology. ISSN 2468-1253. doi: 10.1016/s2468-1253(26)00260-8. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background Colorectal cancer frequently metastasises to the liver. Recurrence after curative-intent treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases is common. Aspirin has shown preventive and antitumour effects in colorectal cancer, but its role after treatment of metastatic disease is uncertain. We aimed to establish whether adjuvant aspirin improves disease-free survival after curative-intent treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases. Methods In this phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at 14 centres in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, patients who had undergone curative-intent treatment for colorectal cancer liver metastases were randomly assigned (1:1), stratified by study site using a centrally generated computerised sequence with variable block sizes, to aspirin 160 mg per day or matching placebo for up to 3 years or until recurrence, death, or treatment discontinuation. The primary outcome was disease-free survival in the full analysis set, comprising all patients who initiated study treatment. The trial is completed and this is the final analysis. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03326791, and EudraCT, 2014-003601-15. Findings Between Dec 15, 2017, and Jan 27, 2022, 466 patients were randomly assigned, of whom 428 initiated study treatment and were included in the full analysis set (217 assigned aspirin and 211 assigned placebo); 272 (64%) were male, 156 (36%) were female, and the mean age was 62·2 years. 269 disease-free survival events occurred (138 in the aspirin group and 131 in the placebo group). Aspirin did not improve disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] for recurrence or death 1·08 [95·44% CI 0·85–1·38]; p=0·58). Median disease-free survival was 1·13 years (95·44% CI 0·92–1·44) with aspirin and 1·40 years (1·11–1·69) with placebo. Overall survival at 36 months was 76% (95% CI 69·4–82·7) with aspirin and 85% (79·5–90·8) with placebo (HR for death 1·64 [95% CI 1·01–2·65]; p=0·045). Time to recurrence did not differ between groups (adjusted cause-specific HR 1·06 [95% CI 0·83–1·35]; p=0·64). 24 serious adverse events occurred in 17 (8%) of 217 patients in the aspirin group and five serious adverse events occurred in four (2%) of 211 patients in the placebo group. Clinically relevant adverse events and serious adverse events that occurred more commonly in the aspirin group than in the placebo group were myocardial infarction (two vs 0), epistaxis (four vs 0), duodenal ulcer (two vs 0), and cerebral haemorrhage (two vs 0). There were no treatment-related deaths. Interpretation Adjuvant aspirin did not improve disease-free survival and was associated with lower overall survival and more serious adverse events. These findings do not support routine use of aspirin after curative-intent treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases.

• Grefslie, Marianne Rørholt; Håberg, Siri Eldevik; Magnus, Maria Christine; Omsland, Tone Kristin & Magnus, Per Minor (2026). Parental asthma and childhood asthma phenotypes: maternal associations with persistent asthma. BMJ Open Respiratory Research. 13(1). doi: 10.1136/bmjresp-2026-004245. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Maternal asthma has been more strongly associated with asthma in offspring than paternal asthma, but the influence of parental asthma on distinct asthma phenotypes remains unclear. Methods: We studied 16 055 children from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Parental asthma was reported at recruitment and classified as no parental asthma (reference), maternal asthma only, paternal asthma only or both parents with asthma. Offspring asthma was assessed at ages 3, 7 and 14 years through questionnaire-based parental reports, and four phenotypes were defined: never asthma, early-onset transient, early-onset persistent and late-onset asthma. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between parental asthma status and offspring phenotypes, adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle and atopic factors, including atopic eczema and pollen/hay fever. Results: Offspring asthma phenotypes were distributed as follows: never asthma 88.8%, early-onset transient asthma 3.3%, early-onset persistent asthma 2.7% and late-onset asthma 5.2%. Maternal asthma was associated with increased odds of all offspring asthma phenotypes: early-onset transient asthma (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.52 to 2.88), early-onset persistent asthma (OR 3.47, 95% CI 2.56 to 4.71) and late-onset asthma (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.69 to 2.81). Paternal asthma showed similar associations, although point estimates were generally smaller: early-onset transient asthma (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.73), early-onset persistent asthma (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.81 to 3.44) and late-onset asthma (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.38). Asthma in both parents was most strongly associated with early-onset persistent asthma (OR 5.34, 95% CI 2.86 to 9.98), whereas associations with early-onset transient and late-onset asthma were smaller and accompanied by wider CIs. The overall pattern of associations was similar across analyses stratified by parental atopy. Conclusions: Associations with maternal asthma were more pronounced than those with paternal asthma, particularly for early-onset persistent and late-onset phenotypes, although CIs overlapped for most comparisons. In contrast, early-onset transient asthma showed less differentiation by parental asthma status.

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• Nordhaug, Marita & Nortvedt, Per (2026). Hva er sykepleie? Gyldendal Norsk Forlag A/S. ISBN 9788205616479. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Biesta, Gert; Andersen, Anders Johan W.; Bøe, Tore Dag; Eikeland, Randi; Engebretsen, Eivind & Haldar, Marit [Vis alle 16 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Mellom tradisjon og fornyelse. Fagbokforlaget. ISBN 9788245062854. 180 s. doi: 10.55669/oa8103. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Universitetene er kontinuerlig i bevegelse, og det samme er rammebetingelsene for vitenskapelig arbeid. I denne boken retter vi oppmerksomheten mot professorene, og vi har invitert utvalgte professorer til å reflektere over eget arbeid i essayformat. Essayene har igjen dannet grunnlag for refleksjoner om universitetenes utvikling i Norge. Boken inngår i debatten om utviklingen av akademisk arbeid i Norge, og gir et bidrag fra et av Norges yngre universiteter.

Se alle arbeider i NVA

• Lie, Anne Kveim (2026). Mandag - Studio 2 - NRK Radio. [Radio]. NRK P2. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Helsereform er på vei, men hva forventer vi av helsevesenet?

• Nordhaug, Marita & Nortvedt, Per (2026). Høringsinnspill til Dokument 8:264 S (2025–2026) Høring: Representantforslag om utredning av selvbestemt livsavslutning. Stortingets og regjeringens publikasjoner. doi: https:/www.stortinget.no/no/Hva-skjer-pa-Stortinget/Horing/visning-av-skriftlig-innspill/?dnid=91927&h=10005906. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Hovedsynspunkt: Vi tilrår at representantforslaget ikke vedtas slik det foreligger. Forslaget omtaler selvbestemt livsavslutning som en rettighet uten å begrunne nærmere hvorfor en slik rett bør etableres. Vår viktigste innvending gjelder imidlertid rettighetens underliggende adgangsvilkår. Dersom livsavslutningen skal være selvbestemt, må personen selv kunne uttrykke en frivillig, informert og konsistent anmodning. Evnen til å be om hjelpen gjøres dermed til et avgjørende vilkår for tilgang. Dette utfordrer et normativt grunnprinsipp i norsk helse- og omsorgstjeneste: Likeverdig tilgang til hjelp skal bygge på medisinske behov og faglige vurderinger, ikke på evnen til selv å be om hjelpen.

• Nyen, J; Kristensen, A M D; Fagerland, Morten; Dammen, Toril; Zwisler, A D & Olsen, M H [Vis alle 13 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Beta-blocker therapy and sexual dysfunction after myocardial infarction: a sub-study of the BETAMI-DANBLOCK trial. European Heart Journal. ISSN 0195-668X. 47(Supplement_1). doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehag785.4110. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Abstract Background Sexual dysfunction is common after myocardial infarction (MI), but the role of beta-blockers on these disturbances remains unclear. Purpose To evaluate the presence of beta-blocker induced sexual dysfunction in post-MI patients without a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥40%) enrolled in the BETAMI-DANBLOCK trial. Methods A prespecified analysis of data from BETAMI-DANBLOCK which randomly assigned patients with a recent MI and an LVEF ≥40% to open-label beta-blocker therapy (median treatment dose metoprolol 50mg/day) or no beta-blocker therapy. For patients reporting sexual activity within the past 12 months, sexual function during the past 4 weeks was assessed at baseline and follow-up (3, 12, and 21 months) with the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF, men) and the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI, women). Sum scores for IIEF (range 5–25) and FSFI (6–30) provides measures of sexual function increasing with higher sexual function; thresholds for dysfunction were IIEF ≤21 and FSFI ≤19. Beta-blocker effects on IIEF and FSFI scores were analysed as between-group differences in change using linear mixed models (negative estimates indicating worse sexual function with beta-blockers). Odds ratios (ORs) for sexual dysfunction were estimated with multivariable logistic regression adjusting for randomisation stratification variables LVEF and study site. Results Among 5574 patients in BETAMI-DANBLOCK, 2850 stated sexual activity within past year at baseline. Of these, 2332/2850 (82%) responded to IIEF or FSFI at least once during the trial period. Among men, baseline median IIEF score was 23 (IQR: 19-24) in the beta-blocker group and 23 (IQR: 19-25) in the no beta-blocker group, with 39% reporting scores indicating erectile dysfunction and 12% in DANBLOCK dispensing sildenafil. We found no statistically significant effect of beta-blockers on the total IIEF score during follow-up (Table). However, the odds of erectile dysfunction was slightly higher in the beta-blocker group at the first follow-up (3 months OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.42), but not on the subsequent timepoints. The proportion of filled sildenafil prescriptions was similar in the beta-blocker and no beta-blocker group (18% vs 17%) during follow-up in DANBLOCK. Among women, median FSFI score at baseline was 24 (IQR: 20-27) and 24 (IQR: 18-27), with 24% and 31% of patients having a score indicating sexual dysfunction for the beta-blocker group and the no beta-blocker group, respectively. We found no effect of beta-blocker therapy on FSFI scores during follow-up, but effect estimates were uncertain. Conclusions In the BETAMI-DANBLOCK trial, beta-blocker therapy after MI was associated with a small transient increase in erectile dysfunction among men, but no long-term effects were observed.

• Johannessen, Tonje Rambøll; Atar, Dan; Halvorsen, Sigrid Groven; Munkhaugen, John; Vallersnes, Odd Martin & Bakken, Arnhild [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Point-of-care high-sensitivity troponin testing for rapid chest pain triage in emergency primary care: preliminary efficacy findings from the OUT-POC Study. European Heart Journal. ISSN 0195-668X. 47(Supplement_1). doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehag785.1892. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Abstract Background High-sensitivity troponin testing at the point-of-care (POC) level may enable faster and more accurate assessment of chest pain in low-resource, out-of-hospital settings. The ongoing prospective OUT-POC study (One-hoUr Troponin using a high-sensitivity Point-Of-Care assay in emergency primary care), initiated in June 2025, aims to enrol 2,500 patients across six emergency primary care clinics in Norway. Purpose This interim analysis evaluates the triage efficacy of the study`s POC assay (TRIAGETRUE High Sensitivity Troponin I (hs-cTnI) Test) using the ESC 0/1-hour algorithm, comparing it to the standard-of-care central laboratory assay (Elecsys 5th-generation hs-cTnT) to identify discrepancies and assess potential safety concerns for patients classified as rule-out by the POC assay. Methods A prespecified interim analysis was performed on the first 300 participants enrolled at the largest study site. EDTA whole blood was collected for the POC assay, and lithium heparin samples were sent to the central laboratory via pneumatic tube for hs-cTnT analysis. The hs-cTnT results were blinded to the treating physicians. Major discrepancies were defined as cases in which the POC assay triaged a patient for direct rule-out, while the central laboratory assay classified the same patient as rule-in. Results During the first three months of inclusion, data were analysed from 308 patients with a median age of 55 years (IQR 42–69) and 47.4% (N=146) female. The POC assay triaged 65.6% (n=202) to 0-hour rule-out (&lt;4 ng/L and ≥3 hours since symptom onset), compared with 45.5% (n=140) triaged by the hs-cTnT assay (&lt;5 ng/L and ≥3 hours since symptom onset). The 0-hour rule-in rates were 4.2% for the POC assay (≥60 ng/L) and 2.6% for the hs-cTnT assay (≥52 ng/L). The POC assay also triaged 90 patients (29.2%) to the indeterminate observation group, requiring a repeat 1-hour sample. In comparison, the hs-cTnT assay would have required repeat sampling in 160 patients (51.9%), though 70 of these were not obtained due to blinded results. After the repeat sample, the POC 0/1-hour algorithm triaged 74.0% of the patients as rule-out, suggesting potential eligibility for discharge. No major discrepancies between the two assays were identified after a single sample. Technical error codes occurred in 3 of 308 patients (1.0%) during POC testing. Conclusions Compared with the standard-of-care central laboratory hs-cTnT assay, the TRIAGETRUE hs-cTnI POC assay provides a higher single-sample rule-out rate and a shorter turnaround time. Together, these features enable faster identification of rule-out patients and may improve patient flow and chest pain management in busy clinics. No safety concerns have been identified for the point-of-care assay, supporting continuation of the larger implementation study.Triage Efficacy after a single blood sample

• Bratland-Sanda, Solfrid; Nordbø, Ingeborg; Hagen, Reidar Strand; Heggestad, Anne Kari Tolo; Madsen, Linda & Lia, Hedda Øyeflaten [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Parents’ and guardians’ experiences of follow-up of maladaptive movement during pediatric treatment of eating disorders: a cross-sectional survey from Norway. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Eick, Frode & Jahnsen, Synnøve Økland (2026). Homelessness as Structural Vulnerability: Precarious Citizenship and Migrant Health. European Journal of Public Health. ISSN 1101-1262. 36(Supplement_5). doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1739. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Abstract Background Housing is a key social determinant of health, yet little is known about how homelessness shapes migrants’ health in Nordic welfare states where legal status, labour market attachment and welfare entitlements are unevenly distributed. This article examines how homelessness directly and indirectly affects the physical and mental health of migrants, and how structural barriers limit their capacity to navigate access to health care. Methods Mixed-methods study combining registry data on shelter use in Oslo (2019–2023) and interviews with ten frontline health and social care staff at a long-term, NGO-run shelter. Analyses were informed by precarious citizenship and structural vulnerability. Results Homeless migrants represented a heterogeneous group in terms of citizenship status and health problems. Migrants’ region of origin influenced their resident status, the uncertainty of their situation, and the duration of their stay. Homelessness interacted with migrants’ pre-existing vulnerabilities, such as precarious legal status, limited finances, language barriers, lack of digital access to social services, and untreated chronic disease, to accelerate health decline. Precarious citizenship can be enacted through gendered arenas of exploitation, with consequences for safety, access to care and possibilities for recovery. Conclusions Homelessness among migrants reflects structural vulnerability and produces cumulative disadvantage. Homelessness is not simply a backdrop to migrant ill-health; it is an active health risk that exacerbates disease, disrupts treatment, and limits recovery. Shelters and low-threshold services play a crucial bridging role by enabling access to treatment and rehabilitation. Addressing migrant health inequities requires rights-based approaches and integrated policies linking housing stability and health care access. Key messages • Homelessness is not simply a backdrop to migrant ill-health; it is an active health risk that exacerbates disease, disrupts treatment, and limits recovery. • Addressing migrant health inequities requires rights-based approaches and integrated policies linking housing stability and health care access.

• Khalid, Saliha; Stub, Trine; Alpers, Lise-Merete; Borge, Christine Råheim; Qureshi, Samera Azeem & Kristoffersen, Agnete Egilsdatter (2026). Traditionell medisin brukt blant pakistanske innvandrere i Norge. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Ugelvik, Thomas; Nyvoll, Pernille; Lunde, Rose Elisabeth; Olsen, Hilgunn & Jølstad, Odd Borgar (2026). Helsefremmende fengsler? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Morken, Tone; Vallersnes, Odd Martin & Lindberg, Bent Håkan (2026). Legevaktpodden #55: Usikkerhet på vakt - kunsten å stå i det grå. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Usikkerhet på legevakt er ikke et tegn på utilstrekkelighet, men en iboende del av legejobben. Odd Martin Vallersnes og Bent Håkan Lindberg diskuterer hvordan vi kan flytte fokuset fra medisin som «svart-hvitt» naturvitenskap til en forståelse av det kliniske «gråfeltet».   Podkastvert: Tone Morken. Produsent: Nathalie Sandal.  

• Lindberg, Bent Håkan (2026). En ASP-forskers historie. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Prince, Ruth Jane (2026). Cancer, health insurance and therapeutic (im)mobility in Kenya. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Prince, Ruth Jane (2026). Health Insurance and family care: Affective burdens of welfare reform in Kenya. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Prince, Ruth Jane (2026). Differential inclusion and partial protection: Kenya's welfare reforms. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Prince, Ruth Jane & Geissler, Paul Wenzel (2026). Remembering the Covid pandemic with state health workers in Kenya. doi: https:/www.med.uio.no/helsam/english/research/news-and-events/events/others/2026/living-through-epidemics.html. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Vik, Eline Skirnisdottir; Einang, Karoline Hasle; Eick, Frode & Rivenes, Sara (2026). Aktuell forskning - Romske kvinner fra Øst-Europa: Prevensjon oppleves som viktig, men ikke alltid relevant. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Høye, Sigurd; Fossum, Guro Haugen & Emilsson, Louise (2026). Acute sinusitis – quo vadis? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Acute sinusitis (AS) is a frequent reason for primary care visits and has historically been a major cause of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing, contributing significantly to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This symposium presents findings from the Norwegian BASIC (Better treatment for Acute Sinusitis In primary health Care) project, which addresses AMR and promotes sustainability by tackling diagnostic uncertainty, evaluating treatment alternatives, and studying patient and prescriber expectations. The central theme is the shifting landscape of AS management: while Norway has succeeded in substantially reducing antibiotic use, clinical decision-making remains complex, driven by patient-reported symptoms rather than clear guidelines. Aim of the symposium The overarching purpose of this symposium is to contribute to an improved understanding and management of acute sinusitis (AS) in Nordic general practice. The symposium will provide clinically useful information by presenting the newest evidence regarding appropriate AS management, thereby enhancing patient care. For the academic audience, the symposium offers academically valuable insights by detailing the innovative research methodology utilized in the BASIC project. Titles of Presentations included in the symposium Sinusitis – a vanishing entity? Introduction, 5 min. Sigurd Høye, associate professor and head of The Antibiotic Centre for Primary care, Department of General Practice, University of Oslo 'Antibiotics Works': Patient and GP experiences and expectations 5 min. Sigurd Høye, associate professor and head of The Antibiotic Centre for Primary care, Department of General Practice, University of Oslo Less antibiotics – more complications? 15 min. Louise Emilsson, associate professor, Department of General Practice, University of Oslo If not antibiotics – what then? 15 min Guro Haugen Fossum, researcher and head of research group, Department of General Practice, University of Oslo

• Tikkanen, Roosa Sofia; Venkateswaran, Mahima; Papadopoulou, Eleni; Tessema, Mashresha; Denu, Zewditu & Gashu, Kassahun Dessie [Vis alle 9 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Implementing Digital Antenatal Care Registries at Public Health Care Facilities in Ethiopia and Uganda: A Comparative Study of Barriers and Enablers. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Digital registries can support clinical decision-making, longitudinal tracking of patient care and resource allocation decisions. Yet, questions around how to implement registries remain unsolved. We identified barriers, enablers and implementation strategies for digital antenatal care registries (ANC eRegistry) in public primary health facilities in Ethiopia and Uganda. Methods: We utilized data from research projects on ANC eRegistries in sub/urban Ethiopia (Addis Ababa, Adama, Harar, Jimma) and Uganda (Mukono). Interviews (n=35) and focus groups (n=18, 90 persons) with ANC providers, health facility managers, and sub-national and national leaders, identified through purposive sampling were English-translated and coded (NVivo) through deductive thematic analysis mapped onto Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains, identifying barriers and enablers in common and unique to each country. CFIR-ERIC (Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change) tool matched barriers and enablers to implementation strategies. Results: Among common barriers were financial constraints exacerbating infrastructure insufficiencies (computers, servers, unreliable networks), and heavy provider workloads constraining time towards meticulous data entry. Enablers in both settings were high motivation to switch to digital records, perceived ease of use of the eRegistry, simplified tasks and improved workflows, and existing peer-learning networks. Unique barriers in Ethiopia were lack of interoperability with existing health information systems and providers prioritizing clinical care over data entry: strong leadership commitment to digitalization was an enabler. In Uganda, limited proactive leadership and difficulties learning new systems were unique barriers; computer-literate young providers was an enabler. Six common implementation strategies were: Conducting ongoing training, preparing champions, formal implementation blueprints, provider performance data, coalition building, and conducting cyclical small change tests. Conclusions: Despite different contexts, identifying implementation determinants and strategies in common and unique to different contexts can facilitate adoption of digital registries. Health systems should capitalize on provider motivation to digitalize while ensuring training, resources and leadership.

• Haaland, Inga (2026). From Allyship to Precarity: queer care, labour and the moral governance in Kenya’s HIV response. doi: https:/www.kristiania.no/en/research/research-groups/queer-research-group/queer-symposium/. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Fystro, Joar Røkke (2026). Bør dagens vernepleiere hete noe annet i morgen? Vernepleier.no. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hofstad, Tore (2026). Six-Year Health, Socioeconomic, and Criminal Justice Outcomes Following Compulsory Mental Health Care in Norway: A Nationwide Registry Study. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Aims: To describe and compare six-year health, criminal justice, and socioeconomic outcomes across three compulsory care pathways: community treatment orders (CTO), compulsory hospitalisation, and short-term compulsory observation, contrasted with voluntary care and population control cohorts. Methods: This nationwide registry study followed 186 832 individuals (ages 18–65) with specialist mental health contact in Norway during 2015–16. Individuals were hierarchically assigned to mutually exclusive groups: CTO (n = 3 346), compulsory hospitalisation (n = 2 921), compulsory observation (n = 2 552), voluntary care (n = 177 504), and population controls (n = 135 520). We estimated sex-specific adjusted probabilities for 14 outcomes across mortality, clinical risk, safety, and socioeconomic domains using binomial logistic regression. Results: All compulsory care groups faced significantly higher six-year burdens across mortality, self-harm, and socioeconomic disadvantage than voluntary patients and controls. Compulsory observation, though brief, was associated with the highest long-term risks for self-harm, substance use, and external-cause mortality. CTOs were characterised by profound socioeconomic marginalisation, although nearly onefifth of recipients combined disability benefits with employment income. Conclusion: Legal pathways identify distinct high-risk trajectories. Short observation episodes often flag profound unresolved risk rather than transient crises, requiring systematic post-discharge follow-up. For those on CTOs, the Results underscore a need for sustained vocational and social rehabilitation.

• Hofstad, Tore (2026). Hva skjer seks år etter tvungent psykisk helsevern? En registerbasert populasjonsstudie. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hollung, Sandra Julsen (2026). Public involvement in cerebral palsy registers: Putting partnership into practice. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. ISSN 0012-1622. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.70498. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Adams, Jonathan (2026). AI & Ethics. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Østerås, Nina (2026). Rheumatology in the digital health era. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Østerås, Nina; Haavardsholm, Espen A.; Mæhlen, Marthe Thoresen; Andersson, Helena & Goll, Guro Løvik (2026). Panelsamtale - Hva inspirerte deg på årets EULAR? doi: https:/www.diakonhjemmetsykehus.no/49d70f/contentassets/dd1c5c9a796d4c4ca72e0ebe655d8545/program-gronn-kongress-2026.pdf. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Østerås, Nina; Tveter, Anne Therese & Lønning, Kari Jussi (2026). App på resept - hvor lenge skal vi vente. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Michelsen, Brigitte; Kvien, Tore Kristian Aaserud & Provan, Sella Aarrestad (2026). National Socioeconomic Status Influences Disease Severity at Treatment Start and Duration of Treatment in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis - TheSynapse. [Internet]. The Synapse. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Differences in how long patients remain on treatment may reflect not only how well treatment works but may also reflect healthcare policies influenced by a country’s wealth, according to a new study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. August 11, 2026 – A study initiated by the European Spondyloarthritis Research Collaboration Network (EuroSpA) examined

• Østerås, Nina & Bos-Haugen, Ida Kristin (2026). (+) Eksperter: Slik kan du redusere artrosesmertene. [Journal]. VG og VG+ papir og nettavis. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Slankemedisiner kan bidra til mindre smerter i både knær, hofter og hender. Men når kiloene forsvinner, kan musklene gjøre det samme. For å unngå det, må du ha fokus på to ting.

• Østerås, Nina; Tveter, Anne Therese & Nes, Lise Solberg (2026). Apper på resept – har vi råd til å la være? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Så lenge det er mer lønnsomt å kalle inn enn å forebygge gjennom å støtte egenbehandling hjemme, vil digitalisering forbli et ideal, ikke en realitet.

• Maltzahn, Niklas Nyboe; Kvalvaag, Elisabeth Myrset; Hjellvik, Vidar; Anjum, Mariam; Skovlund, Eva & Wisløff, Torbjørn [Vis alle 14 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Causal effects of modifying CHA2DS2Va guidelines on incidence of ischemic stroke. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Kvalvaag, Elisabeth Myrset; Maltzahn, Niklas Nyboe; Hjellvik, Vidar; Anjum, Mariam; Skovlund, Eva & Wisløff, Torbjørn [Vis alle 17 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Factors associated with initiation of oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hart, Rannveig Kaldager (2026). Ny NOU: Fødselstallsutvalget foreslår rullerende barnehageopptak. [Internet]. Barnehage.no. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Utvalget foreslår at alle barn får tilbud om barnehageplass fra fylte ett år, samtidig som det åpnes for at foreldre kan ha 70 uker med foreldrepenger med 70 prosent kompensasjon.

• Hart, Rannveig Kaldager & Skirbekk, Vegard Fykse (2026). Fødselstall under press. [Internet]. Tendens. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Norge får stadig færre barn. En ny utredning viser at årsakene handler om mer enn familiepolitikk.

• Horn, Sindre August; Omar, Omar Mwalim; Kagaigai, Alphoncina; Chola, Lumbwe & Chalise, Gita Dhakal (2026). Overcoming Uncertainty in Priority Setting: Multi-Country Experiences with Evidence-Informed Health Benefit Packages in Low- and Middle-income Countries. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Ekeli, Jonas Andersen; Kinge, Jonas Minet & Gjefsen, Hege Marie (2026). Sickness absence and Turnover in the Labor Market. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Ramstad, Kristin Johnsen; Pettersen, Trond Røed; Nordfonn, Oda Karin; Schjøtt, Jan Didrik; Scherrenberg, Martijn & Wahl, Astrid Klopstad [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). The digital health readiness questionnaire: translation and cultural adaption of the Norwegian version. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Danforth, Kristen; Botwright, Siobhan; Choudhary, Tarun Shankar; Hangoma, Peter & Chola, Lumbwe (2026). Integrating Systems Thinking into the FairChoices Model - Possibilities and Challenges. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Chola, Lumbwe; Kagaigai, Alphoncina; Johansson, Kjell Arne; Eldesoki, Nouran; Torpey, Kwasi & Omar, Omar Mwalim [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Explicit Priority Setting in Practice: Institutionalising Evidence-Informed and Value-Based Priority Setting for Universal Health Coverage. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hart, Rannveig Kaldager (2026). Seminar om fødselstall. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Folkehelseinstituttet inviterer til seminar om fødselstall, helse og politikk på Litteraturhuset.

• Kravdal, Øystein & Hart, Rannveig Kaldager (2026). Health around the time of first birth matters for future fertility. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hart, Rannveig Kaldager (2026). Fødsler i Norge: Kvinnen har vært både offer, skurk og helt. [Internet]. Forskning.no. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Hvordan kvinner omtales i norsk debatt om fødselstall, har endret seg de siste 50 årene. Men en ting går igjen: Ett kjønn får ansvaret, ifølge ny studie.

• Burrell, Lisa Victoria; Veenstra, Marijke; Towers, Ann-Marie; Smith, Nick & Sogstad, Maren Kristine Raknes (2026). Livskvalitet blant eldre tjenestemottakere. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Reme, Bjørn-Atle (2026). Legemiddelindustriens produktivitetsparadoks. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Når legemiddelindustrien og produsenter av medisinsk teknologi fremmer produktivitetsargumentet, argumenterer de i realiteten for økte budsjetter til seg selv.

• Ansteinsson, Vibeke Elise (2026). Integrering av munnhelse i resten av kroppen. Hvor står vi i dag?​ Hvilke utfordringer møter vi?​ Hvilke mulige løsninger finnes? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Ansteinsson, Vibeke Elise (2026). Method choices: Co‑creation as a tool for user involvement. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Ansteinsson, Vibeke Elise (2026). Brukermedvirkning og innovasjon. Litt teori, praktiske eksempler og erfaringer fra forskningsprosjekter. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hellesø, Ragnhild (2026). Pasientens helsetjeneste - pasientsikkerhet og kvalitet del 4. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hellesø, Ragnhild (2026). Pasientens helsetjeneste - pasientsikkerhet og kvalitet del 3. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hellesø, Ragnhild (2026). Pasientens helsetjeneste - pasientsikkerhet og kvalitet. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hellesø, Ragnhild (2026). Pasientens helsetjeneste - pasientsikkerhet og kvalitet. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Andersen, Maria Lyster; Torvik, Fartein Ask & Hart, Rannveig Kaldager (2026). Family Transitions, Mental Health, and Work: Evidence from Parenthood, Grandparenthood, and Assisted Reproduction in Norway. Universitetet i Oslo. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Many countries have experienced substantial declines in fertility, later transitions to parenthood, and increased use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). These changes can matter for demographic patterns, but also for health, wellbeing, and labour market trajectories across the life course. Family formation may affect health and employment in different, potentially opposing, ways. Parenthood and grandparenthood can provide meaning and social support, but they may also involve stress, care responsibilities, and economic costs. Similarly, difficulties conceiving and undergoing fertility treatment might affect mental health and working life well beyond the treatment period. Yet we do not fully understand how these different experiences of family formation are associated with health and labour-market outcomes over the life course. Consequently, this thesis examines how different family formation processes relate to health, sick leave, and employment, with a particular focus on gender differences. The three papers of this thesis consider distinct but connected stages of the family life course: parenthood, grandparenthood, and infertility treatment. Paper 1 studies differences in mental health between parents and childless individuals across the full adult life course. Parents have a consistently lower risk of mental disorders than the childless, even when adjusting for important confounders such as socioeconomic status and marital status. We find the lowest risk of mental disorders among individuals who have not yet become parents. This suggests that the observed parent–childless gap at least partly reflects selection into parenthood rather than a protective causal effect of having children on mental health. Importantly, we also find differences in the association depending on the specific mental health condition studied, with certain symptoms such as stress more likely among parents. Paper 2 examines the causal effects of becoming a grandparent on health and labour market outcomes, again with particular attention to gender. The results show that grandparenthood affects both health and employment, although the magnitude and direction of effects vary across outcomes. Becoming a grandparent is associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections, a reduction in cardiovascular-related health care use, and a slightly lower risk of mental disorders. It also marks a clear transition in labour market attachment: both women and men become more likely to work part-time and experience reductions in income. The employment effects are substantially larger among grandmothers. These gender differences may reflect women’s greater involvement in informal childcare. (Paper 3: not published) Taken together, the three papers show that family formation is linked to health and working life in varying ways across the life course. The papers also illustrate how family formation reflects gendered processes. The thesis highlights the importance of selection into parenthood, identifies grandparenthood as a meaningful life-course transition with health and economic consequences, and shows that unsuccessful fertility treatment may have lasting effects on mental health and employment. By examining these processes together, the thesis shows that family formation is not only an isolated reproductive event, but also a potential source of gender differences and inequalities in health and economic wellbeing.

• Lindskog, Benedikte Victoria; Bains, Sukhjeet; Tellum, Tina & Woo, Minji (2026). NAVIGATING PAIN ACROSS BORDERS: A Socioecological Analysis of Immigrant Women with Endometriosis Living in Norway. Universitetet i Oslo. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  --- Abstract will be published: 2029-06-08

• Werdofa, Hirut Megersa & Lindahl, Anne Karin (2026). Perspectives on Disrespect and Abuse During Childbirth in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Ethiopia: Qualitative Studies of Women and Healthcare Providers. Universitetet i Oslo. ISSN 9788234809026. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Every woman deserves to give birth in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. However, women experience disrespect and abuse during childbirth in healthcare facilities. This can affect their trust in healthcare services and their willingness to seek care in the future. This thesis explored what women and healthcare provides perceived about disrespect and abuse during childbirth at a teaching hospital in Southwest Ethiopia. The study used qualitative research design: in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and participant observation in the study hospital. Thirty-two women and thirty-two health providers (doctors, midwives, and nurses) shared their views in addition 325 hours participant observation conducted. Many women said they were neglected, had things done without consent and were treated as an object. Some had no privacy and could not have companion during labor. Some felt unable to make decisions about their care. Healthcare workers agreed care should be respectful, but sometimes perceived differently than the women. Staff shortages, workloads, and not enough supplies and lack of midwives involvement in women care identified as a factor. Some practice health care provides perceived as normal felt disrespectful to women. The study shows disrespect and abuse have many causes. To improve these sufficient supplies and providers may need to be trained to treat women with respect. Women may need to learn about their rights and make decisions about their own care. Communication, respecting women confidentiality, and working together as a team are important to reduce disrespect and abuse. Teaching hospitals need to balance student learning with women’s safety and comfort. Each form of disrespect or abuse might need to be explored as a distinct component to design appropriate intervention.

• Muinde, Jacinta Victoria Syombua & Aslam, Warda (2026). Pakistani Experiences of Seasonal Affective Disorder: Navigating the Winter Mental Health Landscape. Universitetet i Oslo. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and winter-related mood difficulties have been widely studied in Nordic populations, but little is known about how immigrants from warmer climates experience these seasonal changes. Pakistanis form one of the largest non-Western immigrant communities in Norway, yet their experiences of winter mental health remain largely unexplored. Most existing research has relied on biomedical and epidemiological approaches that cannot capture how seasonal distress is shaped by migration, culture, community life, and religious practice. Objectives This study aimed to explore the experiences of seasonal affective disorder and winter depression among Pakistani immigrants in Norway, and to examine how cultural background, community networks, religious practice, and coping strategies shape these seasonal experiences. Methods A qualitative ethnographic study was conducted using semi-structured individual interviews, one focus group discussion, and participant observation. Twenty-four participants of Pakistani background took part in the study, 18 in individual interviews and 6 in the focus group discussion. Participants were men and women who had migrated to Norway in or after 2005 and were recruited primarily from Oslo and Akershus through community networks and snowball sampling. Two participants residing in Northern Norway were also included. Interviews and the focus group were conducted in Urdu, later transcribed and translated into English, and analysed using thematic analysis in NVivo. Findings Six key themes emerged from the data. Winter functioned as an environmental and emotional amplifier in which darkness, cold, and silence intensified existing stress, loneliness, and homesickness rather than producing distress on their own. Vulnerability to winter varied with the timing of migration, geographic location, and economic pressure. Cultural differences between Pakistan and Norway in social rhythm and openness about mental health made winter feel quieter and more isolating. Community networks, friendships, life-cycle gatherings, travel, and religious practice emerged as essential coping resources. The language used to describe winter distress was largely every day and somatic rather than clinical and revealed clear gendered patterns. Conclusion Seasonal wellbeing among Pakistani immigrants in Norway is shaped by the interaction of environmental conditions, migration history, cultural expectations, and community life. These findings can inform culturally sensitive mental health support for immigrant populations in high-latitude environments.

• Cox, Dr. Sheree; Kuhumba, Mr. Shija Kevin & ILINDE, NIYIGENA DELICE (2026). Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Research Misconduct at the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences: a Cross-Sectional Study. Universitetet i Oslo. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Abstract Title: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward research misconduct at the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences: a cross-sectional study Background: Research misconduct is a global concern, however, there is limited knowledge about research misconduct in the Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) such as Rwanda. This study aimed to assess the association between attitudes and practices towards research misconduct among postgraduate students and academic staff at the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UR-CMHS). This study was part of the Ethics in Research and Clinical Practice (ETHIMED) project funded by the Norwegian Partnership Program for the Global Academic corporation (NORPART). Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 153 master's students, 18 PhD students, and 87 academic staff at UR-CMHS from August to November 2025. Stata version 19 SE was used to analyse the data. Results: Plagiarism policy was the most known, reported by 83.3% while the research misconduct allegation policy was the least known, reported by 51.6% of the participants. The majority agreed with the statements, saying that research misconduct is unacceptable, while also disagreeing with the statements saying that misconduct is acceptable when confident about findings. The overall research misconduct prevalence including both fabrication, falsification, plagiarism and other questionable research practices in the last three years was 63.6%. There was no significant association found between attitudes and practices towards research misconduct. Conclusion: Briefly, this study assessed the association between attitudes and practices towards research misconduct, and there was no significant association found. The majority had good attitudes, but research misconduct prevalence was very high. Therefore, I recommend future studies to explore the factors contributing to high research misconduct prevalence found in this context.

• Veloz, Maria Fernanda Vinueza; Arias, Tannia Valeria Carpio & Knudsen, Trine Broberg (2026). Nutritional Status and Cerebellar-dependent Motor Learning in Ecuadorian Children: A cross-sectional study. Universitetet i Oslo. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  --- Abstract will be published: 2028-05-25

• Adams, Jonathan & Hofmann, Bjørn Morten (2026). Responsible Explainable Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Towards a Framework for Ethical and Epistemic Assessment. Universitetet i Oslo. ISSN 9788234808975. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This thesis is about responsible explainable artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, aiming to build a principle-based framework to assess the knowledge that AI offers in the medical field and the ethical implications of AI in medicine. A key challenge that motivates this work is AI explainability: do we understand why AI systems produce the results that they do, and if not, then is that a problem for medical ethics? The thesis argues that medical ethics should adopt the emerging principle of ‘explicability’ to enable us to make ethical problems visible in AI systems and therefore connect traditional ethical principles to concrete responsibilities. The thesis argues that the principle of explicability, rather than being an unnecessary addition, resembles more established principles in its key focus on connecting abstract theory to clinical practice. The thesis also proposes a structured tool for evaluating medical AI, called ‘the ethical-epistemic matrix’. While ethical principles are often applied to medical AI, this matrix includes ‘epistemic’ (i.e. knowledge-related) principles, which assess the kinds of knowledge that AI systems can provide. The epistemic principles put forward are: accuracy, consistency, relevance and instrumental efficacy. This thesis also shows how the matrix can be used to explore the implications of medical AI by applying its principles to medical AI systems in general and for the specific case of sleep apnoea detection, which is relevant to the Respire project of which this PhD work is part. Overall, this thesis advances both the conceptual and methodological foundations for evaluating responsible explainable AI in medicine and provides a practical framework within which to conduct such evaluation. These contributions can support further development of principle- and matrix-based approaches to the evaluation of medical AI, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations aiming to implement responsible explainable medical AI in practice.

• hovedveileder), Nina Køpke Vøllestad (siste; hovedveileder), Nikolaj Kunøe (første; fag), Thomas Clausen (uformell veileder, & Martinsen, Agnes Natalie Klokkersveen (2026). Hjerterom i byrommet En kartlegging av typer – og mengde helse- og omsorgstjenester gitt ved lavterskel helsetilbud for personer med rusmiddelavhengighet. Universitetet i Oslo. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Sammendrag Bakgrunn: Lavterskel helsetjenester for personer med rusmiddelavhengighet bistår personer med samtidig rus- og psykiske lidelser og komplekse utfordringer. Det finnes begrenset forskningsbasert kunnskap om hvordan slike tjenester brukes med hensyn til omfang, type og mønster av tjenestebruk. Formål: Å beskrive omfang, tjenestetyper, varighet og bruksmønstre i en lavterskel helsetjeneste for personer med rusmiddelavhengighet, samt å identifisere faktorer assosiert med storbruk og ikke-storbruk av tjenesten. Metode: Studien er en retrospektiv observasjonsstudie basert på journaldata fra et lavterskel helsetilbud i Oslo. Alle pasienter som hadde én kontakt i løpet av 2023 ble inkludert, og tjenestebruk ble kartlagt for en 12-måneders periode bakover i tid fra siste registrering. Tjenestebruk ble beskrevet ved hjelp av deskriptiv statistikk. Storbrukere ble definert som pasienter med >12 konsultasjoner i løpet av 12 måneder. Tjenestebruk blant storbrukere og ikke-storbrukere ble sammenlignet med bivariate analyser, og faktorer assosiert med storbruk ble undersøkt med multivariat logistisk regresjon. Resultater: Pasientene (N=588) brukte samlet 5388 konsultasjoner, med median 3 konsultasjoner per pasient. Rundt 40 % av pasientene hadde benyttet Feltpleien i mer enn elleve år. I utvalget som helhet var tjenestebruksmønsteret preget av at mange benyttet flere tjenestetyper, samtidig som medianbruken av de fleste enkelttjenester var lav. Det ble funnet en skjevfordeling i tjenestebruk mellom pasientene, særlig mellom storbrukere og ikke-storbrukere. Storbrukere stod for nærmere 70 % av konsultasjonene og storbruk var assosiert med høyere alder, langvarig tilknytning til tjenesten og hyppigere registrering av positive psykosesymptomer. Konklusjon: Studien viser at lavterskel helsetjenester tilbyr mange tjenester, og at disse brukes ulikt. Funnene indikerer at tjenestene benyttes som et langvarig og omfattende helsetilbud for personer med sammensatte behov, snarere enn kun et midlertidig krisetiltak. Funnene har implikasjoner for planlegging av kapasitet, kompetanse og organisering i både lavterskel helsetilbud og tilgrensende tjenester, og kan danne utgangspunkt for videre longitudinell og komparativ forskning. 

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