| Institution: | 1. Department of Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway and City of Oslo, Agency for Health;2. Section for Leadership, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway and Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;3. Department for Health and Social Services, City of Oslo, Norway;4. Picard Center, College of Nursing, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA |
| Abstract: | Despite recognition that immigrant women face significant health challenges, addressing the healthcare needs of immigrants is a source of debate in the United States. Lack of adequate healthcare for immigrants is recognized as a social justice issue, and other countries have incorporated immigrants into their healthcare services. Oslo, the fastest growing capital in Europe, is rapidly shifting to a heterogeneous society prompting organizational action and change. The New Families Program serves first-time mothers and their infants in an Oslo district serving 53% minorities from 142 countries. Anchored in salutogenic theory, the program aims to support the parent–child relationship, children's development and social adaptation, and to prevent stress-related outcomes. Formative research has informed the successful program development and implementation within the existing maternal and child healthcare service. Implications for addressing maternal and child health needs of an immigrant population are presented. |
