Early Equity: New research program for child health in early years
The first five years of life are crucial for long-term health. Mental ill health is one of the biggest public health challenges of our time and parenting support is an effective way to promote the health of the youngest children. Lene Lindberg leads the new research program Early Equity, which also aims for equal child health care regardless of circumstances. Learn more about the project in an interview with Lene.
Can you tell us about the new research program Early Equity?
The programme focuses on studying universal, selective, and indicated interventions to improve children's well-being and mental health during the first five years of life. We know these years are crucial for long-term health, and mental health issues are one of our biggest public health challenges. Parenting support is an effective way to promote the health of young children.
What is the aim and goal of your research program?
The main aim is to improve children's well-being and mental health by developing and evaluating practical and effective interventions. We work closely with primary health care units (maternal and child health services, parental and child health psychologists) that support expectant parents and families with children aged 0-5, to evaluate the feasibility of interventions in practice and ensure that the interventions effectively meet their needs. Additionally, we collaborate with independent civil society organizations such as Rädda Barnen to broaden perspectives.
How will the program be implemented, please give some examples?
We study ten different interventions based on research about early child development and parenting strategies. We conduct pilot studies, feasibility studies, and randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effects of these interventions. We use both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse the results. Some examples are the evaluations of the universal parental program "Little All Children in Focus" in an RCT, and the indicated support for parents of behaviorally inhibited/shy/anxious 3–5-year-old children "Small Heroes" in a pilot study.
The project is called "Early Equity" in English, which suggests you work with equality. How does your research programme aim for equality?
Our programme aims for equality by ensuring all children, regardless of their family's social and economic situation, have access to support and interventions that promote their health. We systematically identify needs and risk factors and tailor interventions to reach the families who need them most.
How do you work with "the third mission" public outreach, to make research accessible to the public and society?
We work closely with healthcare professionals and local authorities to ensure the interventions are practical. We also share our results with the public to raise awareness about the importance of early interventions for children's health. By collaborating with clinicians and training new researchers, we ensure the research reaches and benefits society. We want our interventions to help the community and for more people to understand the importance of early interventions for children.