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An Examination of Dispensation Practices in the Coastal Zone in Halden and Risør Municipality
Get PDFThis thesis investigates how the two cumulative requirements set out in the Planning and Building Act § 19-2, are assessed and accounted for in dispensation decisions in the coastal zone. By benefitting from a mixed methods research approach, the findings have been based on legal methodology, analysis of dispensation decisions, and interviews with two case processors. Furthermore, a case study of Halden and Risør municipality has been carried out to answer the research questions. The findings showed that the considerations explicitly mentioned in the Planning and Building Act § 1-8, which are considerations of natural and cultural environments, and outdoor recreation, were sufficiently assessed in 65 and 54 percent of the dispensation decisions in Halden and Risør, respectively. To safeguard state and regional interests in dispensation cases, the findings encourage state and regional authorities to be more involved. The findings have further shown that the considerations of the Planning and Building Act § 1-1, are found to be challenging to assess in the dispensation assessments. The threshold to claim that a dispensation project leads to “clearly greater” benefits, is also found to be lower in the scrutinized decisions than legally intended. The main reasons why many dispensations are granted, are related to the weak coordination between the municipal administrations, and lacking revision of outdated plans. This study suggests that in the “may” assessment, the municipalities have the margin of discretion to reverse the unfavorable degradation, currently unfolding in the coastal zone. Applying clearer provisions in the municipal masterplans, in addition to modifying the legal framework, could be essential modifications to enhance the safeguarding of the public interests in our valuable coastal zone. The findings however, underscore the need for further scrutiny of the municipalities’ dispensation practices
Marine regenerative forretningsmodeller
Get PDFDe marine økosystemene, både globalt og i Norge, er under betydelig press fra klimaendringer, tap av biologisk mangfold og intensiv ressursutnyttelse. Samtidig representerer disse utfordringene et potensial for utvikling av nye forretningsmodeller som kombinerer tiltak for å forbedre havmiljøet med økonomisk verdiskaping. Hvordan kan næringslivet ta et større ansvar for bevaring og restaurering av marine økosystemer?
Formålet med studien er å analysere hvordan regenerative prinsipper anvendes i norsk marin sektor og hvordan de omsettes til kommersielle forretningsmodeller i praksis. Studien er avgrenset til miljømessige og økonomiske sider ved regenerativitet, og inkluderer ikke sosiale aspekter i dybden. For å belyse et lite utforsket felt benyttes et eksplorativt design og en kvalitativ flercasestudie av fire marine virksomheter med drift i Norge. Datagrunnlaget består av semi-strukturerte intervjuer, innholdsanalyse, litteraturgjennomgang og uformelle samtaler med bransjeaktører. Dette undersøkes gjennom fem forskningsspørsmål (F1–F5).
Resultatene viser at begrepet «regenerativ» fortsatt er uklart definert og brukes på ulike måter, noe som kan øke risiko for grønnvasking og begrepsinflasjon (F1). Samtidig argumenteres det for at regenerative forretningsmodeller bør forstås som et selvstendig konsept utover sirkulærøkonomi. I marin kontekst (F2) må regenerative virksomheter ikke bare begrense skade, men også aktivt bidra til restaurering av marine økosystemer. Kun virksomheter med regenerativitet som kjerneformål inngår i vår definisjon av marine regenerative forretningsmodeller, selv om andre aktører kan støtte regenerative prosesser.
Studien identifiserer tre hovedtyper marine regenerative forretningsmodeller (F3): (1) lavtrofisk akvakultur, (2) høsting av skadelige arter og (3) tiltak for salg av marine økosystemtjenester. Disse modellene kombinerer biologisk regenerering med inntektsgenerering, men varierer i hvordan regenerativiteten er integrert i virksomhetenes kjerneaktivitet og verdiforslag.
Verdiforslaget i regenerative modeller (F4) er ofte komplekst og krevende å kommunisere. Bedriftene balanserer mellom miljøambisjoner og behovet for økonomisk legitimitet. Per i dag er det i hovedsak offentlig støtte, prosjektmidler eller investorer med høy risikovilje som finansierer virksomhetene, snarere enn markedsbasert betalingsvilje.
Når det gjelder drivkrefter og barrierer (F5), fremstår verdiforankring, innovasjonsvilje og samarbeid som sentrale faktorer for fremgang. Samtidig møter aktørene betydelige strukturelle hindringer, særlig knyttet til fragmentert regelverk, mangel på standarder, kapitaltilgang og et umodent marked. Det finnes foreløpig ikke tilstrekkelige insentiver for investering i restaurering, til tross for at tap av tareskog representerer store samfunnsøkonomiske verdifall årlig.
Studien bidrar til videreutviklingen av teorien om regenerative forretningsmodeller ved å foreslå et rammeverk for marine regenerative modeller, basert på biologisk effekt og kommersielt grunnlag. Den nyanserer samtidig skillet mellom regenerative, bærekraftige og sirkulære modeller i en marin kontekst. Vi anbefaler at videre forskning utvikler metoder for dokumentasjon av miljøeffekter i marine miljøer, synliggjør den økonomiske verdien av økosystemtjenester, og undersøker hvordan kommersialisering kan fremmes i samspill med offentlig virkemiddelbruk.
Avslutningsvis fremhever studien at marine regenerative forretningsmodeller ikke bør betraktes som idealistiske visjoner, men som fremvoksende og praktiske løsninger med betydelig potensial for verdiskaping. I en tid der tapet av natur akselererer også i norske havområder, kan slike modeller bidra til en økonomi der naturens tilstand forbedres, ikke forverres. Dette forutsetter at myndigheter, næringsliv og forskningsmiljøer legger bedre til rette for implementering i praksis.The marine ecosystems, both globally and in Norway, are under considerable pressure due to climate change, biodiversity loss, and intensive resource exploitation. At the same time, these challenges present opportunities to develop new business models that combine environmental restoration with economic value creation. How can the private sector take greater responsibility for the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems?
The aim of the study is to analyze how regenerative principles are applied in the Norwegian marine sector and how these are translated into commercially viable business models. The study focuses on environmental and economic aspects of regeneration, without addressing social dimensions in depth. To research this unexplored topic, we employed an exploratory research design and a qualitative multiple-case study of four marine companies operating in Norway. The data consists of semi-structured interviews, content analysis, literature review, and informal conversations with industry stakeholders. This is explored through five research questions (F1–F5).
The findings show that the concept of “regenerative” remains poorly defined and is used inconsistently, increasing the risk of greenwashing (F1). At the same time, several scholars argue that regenerative business models should be seen as a distinct concept beyond circular economy. In a marine context (F2), regenerative companies must not only reduce harm, but also actively contribute to the restoration of marine ecosystems. Only companies with regeneration as a core purpose are included in our definition of marine regenerative business models, though other actors may play supportive roles in regenerative systems.
The study identifies three main types of marine regenerative business models (F3): (1) low-trophic aquaculture, (2) harvesting of ecologically harmful species, and (3) provision of marine ecosystem services. These models combine biological regeneration with income generation but differ in how regeneration is integrated into their core activities and value propositions.
The value proposition of regenerative models (F4) is often complex and difficult to communicate. The companies must balance environmental ambitions with the need for economic legitimacy. Currently, most of the business activity is financed through public support, project funding, or high-risk investors, rather than market-based demand.
As for drivers and barriers (F5), value-driven leadership, innovation capacity, and collaboration emerge as key enablers. At the same time, actors face significant structural challenges, particularly related to fragmented regulation, lack of standards, limited access to capital, and immature markets. Despite the major societal costs of kelp forest loss, there are currently insufficient incentives to invest in restoration.
This study contributes to the further development of regenerative business theory by proposing a framework for marine regenerative business models based on ecological impact and commercial viability. It also clarifies the distinction between regenerative, sustainable, and circular models in a marine context. We recommend that future research develop methods for documenting environmental effects in marine ecosystems, quantify the economic value of ecosystem services, and explore how commercialization can be supported through public policy instruments.
Finally, the study emphasizes that marine regenerative business models should not be viewed as idealistic visions, but as emerging and practical solutions with significant potential for value creation. At a time when biodiversity loss is accelerating, including the Norwegian waters, such models can contribute to an economy in which the state of nature is improved rather than degraded. This requires that authorities, industry, and research communities facilitate better conditions for implementation in practice
The Impact of Anthropogenic Disturbance on the Interaction Between Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) And Semi-Domesticated Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) During The Calving Period in Mountainous Habitat
Get PDFHuman recreational activity in natural landscapes has increased in the past decades. Combined with other land-use interests, this has placed significant pressure and disturbances on natural areas, along with impacts on ecosystems and interactions between species. Semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) are a vital part of Sámi culture and livelihoods, and are especially sensitive to human disturbance during the calving period. In some areas can predators such as brown bears (Ursus arctos) cause economic losses to owners by preying on their livestock. This study aimed to assess whether human recreational activity in mountain calving grounds affects the habitat selection of brown bears and semi-domesticated reindeer during the calving period, and whether this in turn influences brown bear predation patterns.
Data utilized in this study included GPS-data from brown bears and semi-domesticated reindeer, carcass locations from reindeer killed by GPS-collared bears and human activity data. Both species’ habitat selection was modelled through Resource Selection Functions (RSFs) with a use-availability design. The final model was used to develop habitat suitability and co-occurrence maps, which helped to identify suitable areas for each species and visualize where carcasses have been found.
Results showed that human recreational activity influenced both brown bears and semi-domesticated reindeer habitat selection, but at varying degrees. Brown bears consistently avoided areas with high human activity, while reindeer exhibited avoidance mainly in the early part of the calving period. Brown bears entered the mountain mostly during the night to predate on semi-domesticated reindeer, when human activity was low. Certain trails in the study area were more used by humans than others, offering guidance for visitor management. Human activity did not appear to influence brown bear predation patterns and may even act as a deterrent to bears if strategically managed.
This study highlights how human recreational activity affects the habitat selection of both species. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for future natural resource and visitor management, especially as human pressure on natural areas continues to grow. With informed management, a better coexistence between outdoor recreationists, wildlife and local livelihoods can be achieved
Dose rate-driven responses to ionizing radiation in CBA/Ca and C57BL/6N evaluated using benchmark dose (BMD) modeling
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Metric Learning for Sawlog Traceability using Geometric Features
Get PDFThe EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) requires timber operators to demonstrate the origin of wood. Robust log traceability throughout the value chain is essential to ensure compliance and maintain supply chain integrity. Current log-level traceability solutions, such as RFID tags, markers, and ring-pattern imaging, require additional equipment, specialised laboratory work, or contain parts that are susceptible to damage from the log-transport environment.
This thesis investigates whether purely geometric information already captured in Nordic forestry operations can be used for tracking each log. We use the concept of distance metrics to assess how different the logs are from one another. We evaluate three types of distance metrics, i.e., fixed distance metrics, linear metric learning, and deep metric learning (DML).
In the absence of a paired harvester–sawmill dataset, we conducted a test trial by building a simulation pipeline that generates synthetic pairs based on real harvester measurements. The raw harvester profiles serve as ground-truth geometry. From these, we create two additional sets: one reproduces harvester readings with flat noise, and the other represents sawmill measurements with noise that increases linearly along the length of the log. We assess performance with two baselines, Euclidean distance and Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) distance, and compare them to two linear Mahalanobis distance metrics trained with Large-Margin Nearest Neighbour (LMNN) loss and with a hinge loss, and a DML model with triplet network architecture. To quantify success, we define a user-specified confidence level (99%) and compute a distance for every entry in the dataset. We then determine the minimal number of logs required in the top n logs to achieve the specified tolerance level.
The evaluation was divided into three case studies that reflect different noise levels, lengths, and feature sets. Case Studies 1 and 2 include length as a feature, with minimum lengths of 350 cm and 490 cm, respectively. In contrast, Case Study 3 excludes length as a feature, though it still uses a minimum log length of 490 cm. Each case study is further divided by noise level (high or low) and log segmentation (10, 20, or 35 segments), resulting in 18 datasets used for model evaluation. When log length was included in the feature set (Case Studies 1 and 2), a linear Mahalanobis metric successfully identified the correct log, outperforming the DML model by around 0.3%. In contrast, the DML model performed best in Case Study 3, where length was deliberately excluded. In this case, the DML models reduced the search-space by up to 92%. This contrast underscores that log length is a highly discriminative feature for log identification. Additionally, DML models trained on data with a high noise level generalized well to data with a low noise level in most scenarios, outperforming models trained and evaluated on low-noise data. This demonstrates the robustness of “worst-case” supervision.
Geometric profiles on simulated data show promise in tracing logs without additional sensors, offering a cost-effective compliance layer for log traceability. Future work should further validate this approach on real paired datasets
Å finne hverdagsgleden – en kvalitativ studie om deltakeres erfaringer med Hverdagsgledekurs
Get PDFBakgrunn: Hverdagsgledekurs er et lavterskelfolkehelsetiltak som bygger på de fem grepene «vær oppmerksom», «vær aktiv», «fortsett å lære», «knytt bånd» og «gi». Kursene tilbys gjennom kommunenes Frisklivssentraler, og har som mål å fremme psykisk helse og livskvalitet. Til tross for gode kvantitative resultater, finnes det begrenset med norsk kvalitativ forskning som utforsker deltakernes erfaringer.
Formål: Studien utforsker hvordan deltakere anvender grepene fra Hverdagsgledekurset i sin egen hverdag, og hvordan de beskriver opplevelsen av hverdagsglede etter kurset.
Metode: Kvalitativ metode med semistrukturerte intervjuer av fem deltakere fra to bydeler i Oslo ble brukt. Dataene ble analysert med refleksiv tematisk analyse (Braun & Clarke), med teoretisk forankring i selvbestemmelsesteorien (Ryan & Deci, 2017) og sosial kapital (Putnam, 2000).
Funn: Fire hovedtemaer ble identifisert: Ansvar for egen selvutvikling, Sosial interaksjon med andre, Kontroll og mening i hverdagen, og Opplevelse av hverdagsglede. Sentrale funn viste hvordan Hverdagsgledekurset førte til økt oppmerksomhet på de små tingene i hverdagen (naturopplevelser, smil), men også hvordan informantene tok ansvar i eget liv som en forutsetning for å oppleve kontroll og mening i hverdagen sin. Disse aspektene var også kilder til opplevd hverdagsglede.
Konklusjon: Hverdagsgledekurs ser ut til å støtte individets grunnleggende psykologiske behov og kan bidra til hverdagsglede og bedre livskvalitet. Kursene fremstår som relevante lavterskeltiltak i folkehelsearbeidet, og videre forskning bør undersøke erfaringer i større deltakergrupper.Background: Hverdagsgledekurs is a low-threshold public health intervention based on the five strategies: “be attentive”, “be active”, “keep learning”, “connect with others”, and “give”. The courses are offered through municipal health promotion centres (Frisklivssentraler) and aim to enhance mental health and quality of life. Despite positive quantitative findings, there is limited Norwegian qualitative research exploring participants’ experiences.
Objective: This study explores how former participants apply the strategies from Hverdagsgledekurs in their daily lives, and how they describe their experience of everyday joy following the course.
Method: A qualitative approach was used, based on semi-structured interviews with five participants from two districts in Oslo, Norway. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke), with a theoretical foundation in Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2017) and the concept of social capital (Putnam, 2000). These aspects were also identified as sources of experienced everyday joy.
Main findings: Four main themes were identified: Taking responsibility for one’s own personal development, Social interaction with others, Control and meaning in everyday life, and Experience of everyday joy. Key findings revealed that the course led to increased awareness of small positive moments in everyday life (e.g., experiences in nature, smiles), and that taking personal responsibility was seen as essential for achieving a sense of control and meaning.
Conclusion: Hverdagsgledekurs appears to support the fulfilment of basic psychological needs and may contribute to enhanced well-being and quality of life. The course is a relevant low-threshold intervention in public health efforts, and future research should investigate participant experiences in larger and more diverse samples
Påvirkning av ENØK-tiltak på bevaringsverdig trehusbebyggelse i Sogn haveby
Get PDFDenne masteroppgaven undersøker hvilken påvirkning EUs bygningsdirektiv kan ha for bevaringsverdig trehusbebyggelse fra 1930-tallet i Sogn haveby. Området er formelt tilknyttet kulturhistorisk verdi gjennom både Byantikvaren og plan- og bygningsloven, med en synlig enhetlig trehusbebyggelse som representerer bevart funksjonalistisk byggeskikk. I den forbindelse er det relevant å belyse påvirkningen som strengere energiytelseskrav vil ha for eksisterende boliger, særlig med hensyn til en mulig konflikt mellom energi, bevaring og inneklima.
Datagrunnlaget er basert på semi-strukturelle intervjuer av beboere i Sogn haveby, gjennomført i samarbeid med en medstudent. Det er kartlagt ENØK-tiltak i 59 hus, med opprinnelig oppførelse i løpet av 1930-tallet, kombinert med mer omfattende beskrivelser av boligoppgraderinger, energibruk, bokomfort og holdninger til bevaring. Analysen av boligendringene viser til en nåværende gjennomsnittlig tiltaksgrad av moderat omfang. Flertallet av beboernes opplevelse av komfortabelt inneklima, kan i denne sammenheng anses som en følge av at de alle på ett eller flere tidspunkt har oppgradert egen bolig. Funnene antyder også en tydeligere sammenheng mellom energiforbruk og brukeratferd enn hva som kan observeres mellom energiforbruk og tiltaksgrad. Studien avdekker videre at miljøhensyn og regelverk ikke utmerker seg som motiverende årsaker ved boligoppgradering, men at komfort og økonomi i større grad fremstår som avgjørende. Det uttrykkes også en felles verdsettelse av områdets arkitektoniske preg, i samsvar med beboernes tilknytning til både området og egen bolig.
Oppgaven konkluderer med at gjennomføring av ENØK-tiltak på bakgrunn av standardiserte beregninger kan virke mot sin hensikt, dersom situasjonsavhengige faktorer ekstraheres fra regnestykket. I Sogn haveby er det å forvente at EU-direktivets ytelseskrav vil foråsake behov for omfattende inngrep i en betydelig del av boligmassen. Ved omfattende ENØK-tiltak oppstår det en risiko for tap av kulturhistorie, selv om det arkitektoniske uttrykket i stor grad kan bevares. Et bærekraftig rammeverk må baseres på et sammensatt grunnlag, hvor de variablene vektes i en større sammenheng.This thesis investigates the potential impact of the EU Building Directive on the preservation-worthy wooden housing from the 1930s in Sogn haveby, a neighborhood formally recognized for its cultural-historical value. The area features a cohesive architectural style rooted in functionalist design. This raises concerns about possible conflicts between energy efficiency, heritage preservation, and indoor climate in existing housing.
Empirical data is drawn from semi-structured interviews with residents and an energy efficiency survey of 59 houses, originally built during the 1930s. More detailed descriptions of housing upgrades, energy use, indoor comfort, and attitudes toward preservation was also included in the survey. The data was conducted in collaboration with a fellow student. Findings indicates a current level of intervention that is moderate in scope. In this context, the majority of residents’ perception of a comfortable indoor climate may be considered a consequence of having undertaken upgrades to their dwellings, at some point. There appears to be a stronger correlation between energy consumption and user behavior than between energy consumption and the extent of physical measures implemented. Moreover, the study reveals that comfort and economic factors are stronger motivators than regulations and environmental concerns. A shared appreciation for the architectural character of the area is also expressed, aligned with the residents' attachment to both neighborhood and homes.
The thesis concludes that standardized energy measures may be counterproductive if they overlook contextual factors. In Sogn haveby, the directive’s performance requirements could lead to significant interventions, risking a loss of cultural value even if architectural expression is retained. A sustainable framework must therefore be built on a composite foundation, where various variables are weighted within a broader context
Leaching of Trace Elements From Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator Bottom Ash: Influence of Particle Size Ranges and Incorporation in Cement As Supplementary Cementitious Material
Get PDFThis project is led by the research center earthresQue at NMBU in collabora tion with industrial partners: Stena Recycling, Lindum, NOAH, Perpetuum, and Borregaard. The study investigates the leaching behavior of trace el ements from Norwegian incinerator bottom ash (IBA) through a series of chemical and geochemical analyses. Both non-treated and treated (sieving, water bath, and hot water bath) IBA, as well as mortar samples incorpo rating IBA as a binder material, were characterized using elemental analysis and standardized leaching tests (EN 12457-2). The non-treated IBA were separated into particle size ranges of 0/1 mm, 1/4 mm, 4/8 mm, 8/12 mm and 12/19 mm. Three different treatment methods were performed on the pulverized IBA material. Additionally, the material were made into mortars, to investigate the leaching potential of IBA as a binder material.
The results indicate that the finest particle size range (0/1 mm) of non-treated IBA exhibited the highest leaching of trace elements (chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)). In general, the treatment methods had limited impact on reducing leaching behavior, with the exception of Mo, for which both water bath and hot water bath treat ments were effective in reducing its release. Adding IBA as a supplementary cementitious material in mortar reduced the leaching of Mo and antimony (Sb), suggesting immobilization within the matrix, likely due to formation of secondary minerals such as ettringite. Non-treated IBA may be suitable for disposal in inert waste landfills, provided that the finest particle size ranges is excluded. This is due to elevated leaching of trace elements and high concentrations of chloride, sulfate, and dissolved organic carbon in the finer fractions. Mortar samples containing IBA demonstrated leaching concentra tions below the limit values for inert waste landfill, supporting the potential for using IBA as a binder material without increasing environmental risk.
In light of the Norwegian Pollution Control Act, Criteria 5, the leaching behavior of Norwegian IBA are in the same order of magnitude as that of conventional materials such as CEM-1 and coal fly ash currently used in industry, with the exception of Sb in non-treated IBA, and Pb in IBA con taining mortars. Consequently, the study indicates that both the utilization of Norwegian IBA as a binder material and its disposal in inert waste landfills are feasible options with respect to the trace elements analyzed, with some exceptions
"Vi visste alle at vi skulle gjennom et løp som ingen av oss kom unna" - Erfaringer med pårørendeskole for pårørende til hjemmeboende personer med demens
Get PDFBakgrunn: Den økende forekomsten av demens i befolkningen utgjør en stor folkehelseutfordring. Det foreligger sterke nasjonale føringer for at personer med demens skal bo hjemme så lenge som mulig. For å få til dette er den uformelle omsorgsinnsatsen til pårørende nødvendig. Pårørendeskole er et av flere kommunale tilbud ment for å hjelpe pårørende å stå stødigere i omsorgsrollen. Formålet med pårørendeskolen er å gi pårørende informasjon, kunnskap, støtte og veiledning.
Formål: Med en økende eldre befolkning og økt behov for helsetjenester er det nasjonal satsning på tilbud for å hjelpe pårørende med omsorgsinnsatsen. Det foreligger få norske
studier om pårørende til personer med demens sine erfaringer med pårørendeskole. Problemstillingen for denne masterstudien er derfor hvordan pårørende til hjemmeboende
personer med demens erfarer å delta på pårørendeskole.
Metode: I studien er det brukt kvalitativ metode. Datainnsamlingen har foregått gjennom fem individuelle semistrukturerte intervjuer av pårørende til personer med demens. Analysemetode for datamaterialet er systematisk tekstkondensering fra Malterud (2017). Resultatene diskuteres i lys av teori, tidligere forskning og bakgrunnskunnskap.
Resultat: Analyseprosessen resulterte i fire hovedtema: 1) Lære om demens, 2) Lære å være åpen, 3) Lettere å ta imot hjelp, og 4) Fellesskap. Hovedtema 1 har tre subgrupper: Sykdomslære, Kommunikasjon og samhandling, Sorg og tap.
Konklusjon: Informantene erfarer pårørendeskolen som et positivt tilbud. Pårørendeskole oppleves som en arena for å tilegne seg kunnskap, og opplever det som spesielt viktig å
tilegne seg kunnskap om sykdomslære, kommunikasjon og samhandling. Til tross for at informantene ikke dannet nære relasjoner med andre deltakere, erfarer de pårørendeskolen
som en arena for fellesskap og lærte betydningen av å være åpen. Deltakelse har også gjort det enklere å ta kontakt med hjelpeapparatet. Demenskoordinatorenes tilstedeværelse på
pårørendeskolen kan styrke samarbeidet mellom pårørende og helsepersonell, samt øke sannsynligheten for at pårørende ber om hjelp når de trenger det. Informantene opplever at det fortsatt er stigmatisering rundt demens, og det er tydelig enighet om at økt kunnskap og
åpenhet om demens vil bidra til å redusere stigma.Background: The rising prevalence of dementia in the population is a major public health concern. There are strong national guidelines to allow people with dementia to live at home for as long as possible. To achieve this, the informal care effort from next of kin is crucial. The educational programme is one of several municipal offers meant to help them with the
role of caretaker. The purpose with the programme is to provide next of kin with information, knowledge, support and guidance.
Purpose: With an increasing elderly population and a rise in the need of health care services, there exists a national effort to help next of kin with the contribution of care. There exist few Norwegian studies about next of kin to people with dementia’s experiences with the educational programme. Therefore, the research question for this master’s is what are the
experiences of next of kin to people with dementia regarding the educational programme for next of kin.
Method: The study uses qualitative method. The collection of data has been collected through five individual semi-structured interviews of next of kin to people with dementia. The method of analysis for the data material is systematic text condensation from Malterud (2017). The
findings were discussed in relation to theoretical perspectives, literature, and previous research.
Result: The process of analysis resulted in four main topics: 1) Learn about dementia, 2) Learn about being open, 3) Easier to receive help, and 4) Togetherness. Main topic 1 has three sub-groupings: Pathophysiology, Communication and interaction, Grief and loss.
Conclusion: The informants experience the educational programme for next of kin as a positive program. The program is experienced as an arena to acquire knowledge. The informants experienced that acquiring knowledge about pathophysiology, communication and interaction as particularly important. Despite the informants not forming near relations with the other participants, they also experienced the programme as an arena for togetherness and learned the importance of being transparent. Participation has also made it easier to contact the support system. The coordinator of dementia’s presence on the programme may strengthen the cooperation between next of kin and health care personnel, along with increasing the likelihood of next of kin requesting help when needed. The informants experience that there still is stigma about dementia, and it is a clear agreement that increased knowledge and openness about dementia will contribute to reduce stigma