Promoting adolescent mental health in Norway: development of a universal intervention lead by school nurse

Abstract

Background: There are currently no recommended interventions run by the school nurse to promote mental health, implemented in high schools. The goal of this study is to develop a universal, theory driven school nurse lead intervention to promote mental health. Methods: The intervention has a salutogenic fundament and will be developed in collaboration between researchers, school nurses in the municipality, user involvement by adolescents and student public health nurses. The study design is a quantitative non-randomized interventional trial with experimental and control group. Totally 1500 students will participate. Expected results: An intervention that later can be evaluated for positive impact on adolescents mental health. Current stage of work: The intervention is divided in three parts: Morning conference where the school nurse covers basic elements for good mental health. Workshop with a salutogenic dialogue led by school nurse on setting personal boundaries, friendship, and normal variations in mood. Case studies. Discussion: Intervention development through collaboration, aims to bridge the gap between academia and clinicians and promote best practice.