Early prevention program in Greenland “MANU 0-2 years, a parent education program” – the programs development and first phase of implementation

• Main Authors: Ingemann, Christine, Kuhn, Rikke L., Larsen, Christina Viskum Lytken
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: Greenland; greenlander*
• Online Access: https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/da/publications/7d6fb22f-71a5-4f28-9dd5-1c1d21949df1; https://www.nunamed.org/wp-content/uploads/NUNAMED-Abstract-book.pdf

In Greenland, the parent education program ‘MANU 0-2 years’ was launched between 2017 and 2018. MANU stands for Meeraq Angajoqqaat NUannaarneq meaning ‘child and parent’s good life’. The program’s concept builds on the theories of mentalization, attachment theory, emotional regulation, and children’s health and development. It is a universal parent education program addressing both the mother and the father. On the grounds of the social challenges many Greenlanders face, MANU focuses on strengthening the skills of parents through positive parenting in order to also support those who grew up in a more unstable home. The Greenland health survey from 2014 reported that 66% of the adult population grew up in a home with alcohol related problems or had been exposed to violence or sexual assault. In the program, parents are asked to reflect on their own childhood and are then invited to discuss their thoughts and ideas with their partner and other participating parents. Objective: To identify the barriers and strengths in the first two years of the program implementation – when going from program manual to national application/implementation. Methods: Qualitative methods were applied, and data collection was conducted throughout a two-year period (2017-2019). Relevant documents from the program development and coordination were assessed and analyzed. Multiple formal and informal interviews were held with program developers and coordinators. MANU training sessions were observed and attending midwives and public health nurses were interviewed after having received their training. In data analysis the ‘Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research’ by Damschroder was applied. Results/conclusion: We are still analyzing data but preliminary results show that key messages will suggest the need for an even closer collaboration with local midwifes and public health nurses in the very first stages of the development of the program. Furthermore, close and repetitive follow-ups throughout the implementation are essential.