Per Christer Thomas Westergren

• Müller De Bortoli, Marit; Kantymir, Sienna; Pacheco-Brousseau, Lissa; Dahl, Bente; Hansen, Elisabeth Holm & Lewis, Krystina B. [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2024). Decisional needs and interventions for young women considering contraceptive options: an umbrella review. BMC Women's Health. ISSN 1472-6874. 24(1). doi: 10.1186/s12905-024-03172-2.
• Audulv, Åsa; Westergren, Per Christer Thomas; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Pedersen, Mona Kyndi; Fegran, Liv & Hall, Elisabeth O. C. [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2023). Time and change: a typology for presenting research findings in qualitative longitudinal research. BMC Medical Research Methodology. ISSN 1471-2288. 23(1). doi: 10.1186/s12874-023-02105-1. Full text in Research Archive
• Fegran, Liv; Westergren, Per Christer Thomas; Hall, Elisabeth OC; Aagaard, Hanne & Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid (2023). Nurses’ and Doctors’ Experiences of Transferring Adolescents or Young Adults With Long-Term Health Conditions From Pediatric to Adult Care: A Metasynthesis. Global Qualitative Nursing Research. ISSN 2333-3936. 10. doi: 10.1177/23333936231189568. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The transfer of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with long-term health conditions from pediatric to adult care is a multidisciplinary enterprise where nurses and doctors play an important role. This review aimed to identify and synthesize evidence from qualitative primary reports on how nurses and doctors experience the transfer of AYA aged 13 to 24 years with long-term health conditions to an adult hospital setting. We systematically searched seven electronic databases for reports published between January 2005 and November 2021 and reporting nurses’ and doctors’ experiences. We meta-summarized data from 13 reports derived from 11 studies published worldwide. Using qualitative content analysis, we metasynthesized nurses’ and doctors’ experiences into the theme “being boosters.” Boosting AYA’s transfer was characterized by supporting AYA’s and their parents’ changing roles, smoothening AYA’s transition from pediatric to adult care, and handling AYA’s encounters with a different care culture.

• Stavnsbo, Mette; Stenling, Andreas; Berntsen, Sveinung; Chinapaw, Mai J. M.; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Manios, Yannis [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2023). Does an obesogenic family environment moderate the association between sports participation and body composition in children? The ENERGY project. Pediatric Obesity. ISSN 2047-6302. 18(7). doi: 10.1111/ijpo.13031. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  BackgroundPrevious research on the association between sports participation and body composition has shown mixed findings. The family home is considered one of the most influential environments on childhood obesity. Thus, the association between sports participation and body composition in children may be influenced by an obesogenic home environment.ObjectivesTo investigate if an obesogenic family environment moderates the association between sports participation and body composition in children.MethodsA total of 3999 children (54% girls; 11.6 ± 0.7 years) and their parent(s) were included from the ENERGY project. A composite obesogenic family environment risk score was created from 10 questionnaire items. Height, weight (to calculate body mass index), and waist circumference were obtained by trained researchers and used as indicators of body composition.ResultsThe composite risk score significantly moderated the association between sports participation and both waist circumference and body mass index. In children from families with moderate and high obesogenic risk, organized sports participation was significantly associated with smaller waist circumference (moderate risk: −0.29, 95% CI −0.45 to −0.14; high risk: −0.46, 95% CI −0.66 to −0.25) and lower body mass index (moderate risk: −0.10, 95% CI −0.16 to −0.04; high risk: −0.14, 95% CI −0.22 to −0.06), but not in children with a low obesogenic family risk score.ConclusionsEnrolling children in sports activities from an early age can be important for healthy weight maintenance, especially among children from obesogenic family environments.

• Befus, Eva-Grethe; Helseth, Sølvi; Mølland, Eirin; Westergren, Per Christer Thomas; Fegran, Liv & Haraldstad, Kristin (2023). Use of KIDSCREEN health-related quality of life instruments in the general population of children and adolescents: a scoping review. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. ISSN 1477-7525. 21. doi: 10.1186/s12955-023-02088-z. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose Subjectively assessing health related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and adolescents is increasingly important in the public health feld. One valid and widely used generic HRQoL instrument is the KIDSCREEN question‑ naire. The aim of this study was to map all studies using KIDSCREEN instruments in the general population of children and adolescents aged 6–18 years. Methods A scoping review was conducted. The search strategy was formulated according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Scoping Reviews guidelines. The databases Cinahl, socINDEX, Medline, Embase, APA Psychinfo, Scopus, and Eric were searched in October 2021. Results In total, 1365 papers were eligible for screening, 1031 were excluded and 334 reports were read in full. 252 reports were included. KIDSCREEN studies in the general population was predominantly conducted in Europe (n=211). Most studies (n=179) had a cross sectional design, while few experimental studies (n=24) were found. The three KIDSCREEN versions comprising of 10, 27 and 52 items, were equally distributed between studies. The selfreported version (n=225) of the KIDSCREEN instrument was more prevalent than the proxy version, while few studies discussed a cut point. Study contexts refected international trends of public health challenges, commonly including mental- and psychosocial health, physical activity, socioeconomic status, and obesity. Conclusion KIDSCREEN is widely used in cross sectional studies assessing common public health challenges. Experi‑ mental and longitudinal assessments, possibly including relevant cut ofs remain mainly unexplored and are recom‑ mended for future research.

• Mølland, Eirin; Haraldstad, Kristin; Abildsnes, Eirik; Håland, Åshild Tellefsen; Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes & Fegran, Liv [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Use of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in child and school health services among children aged 4 and 6 years in Southern Norway: clinical considerations. BMC Pediatrics. ISSN 1471-2431. 23. doi: 10.1186/s12887-023-03837-1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Parent reported mental health can be assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Currently, Norwegian norms for parent-reported SDQ do not exist, whereas Swedish, Danish, and United Kingdom (UK) norms have been published. We aimed to (1) describe parent-reported SDQ among children aged 4 and 6 years in Southern Norway, (2) evaluate empirical cutoff values within the context of the Starting RightTM project in relation to the Swedish, Danish, and UK cutoffs, and (3) evaluate the representativeness of the study sample with regard to parental socioeconomic status. Methods This study included parent-reported observations for 665 children (63% consent rate). Means and standard deviations were calculated for the domains of SDQ, and gender differences were assessed. Based on the Swedish, Danish, and UK cutoffs and the 80th and 90th percentile cutoff values within the study, we calculated the total number of children with borderline and abnormal scores. Results Boys had higher mean total difficulties (7.3 vs 5.6) and impact scores (0.3 vs 0.1) and lower prosocial scores (8.3 vs 8.8) than girls. The differences in means were largest in the case of externalizing symptoms (5.0 vs 3.6) and hyperactivity subscore (3.2 vs 2.3). Using the UK cutoff values, 28 and 25 children had borderline and abnormal total difficulties scores, respectively. The corresponding numbers using the within study or Scandinavian cutoff values were 84–99 and 54–79, respectively. Overall, our study sample was well representative of the target population. Conclusions Our findings consistently indicated that girls had better SDQ scores than boys among children aged 4 and 6 years. Fewer children would be identified as having mental health difficulties using the UK cutoff values than using the Scandinavian age- and gender-relevant cutoff values.

• Aagaard, Hanne; Hall, Elisabeth; Audulv, Åsa; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Westergren, Per Christer Thomas & Fegran, Liv (2022). Parents’ experiences of transitioning to home with a very-low-birthweight infant: A meta-ethnography. Journal of Neonatal Nursing. ISSN 1355-1841. doi: 10.1016/j.jnn.2022.11.012. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Medical-technological advances and neurodevelopmental care have improved the survival of extremely- and very-low-birthweight infants born before 32 weeks’ gestation. After months in neonatal care, the infants are discharged, and parents exited but full of anxiety. This review is designed as a meta-ethnography, addressing parents’ discharge experiences to comprehend the synthesised research, which includes 12 eligible studies. From the analysis, we constructed three themes: ‘approaching discharge with both uncertainty and confidence’; ‘discharge as a longed-for though disordering turning point’; and ‘facing joys, worries and multiple challenges when at home’. The overarching interpretation was ‘discharge as double-edged sword’. We conclude that bringing home very-low-birthweight infants is a joyful event, yet parents also experience discharge as never- endingly worrying, as a time filled with challenges to which parents must adapt and as necessitating contin- uous support from knowledgeable providers.

• Audulv, Åsa; Hall, Elisabeth O. C.; Kneck, Åsa; Westergren, Per Christer Thomas; Fegran, Liv & Pedersen, Mona Kyndi [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2022). Qualitative Longitudinal Research in Health Research: A Method Study. BMC Medical Research Methodology. ISSN 1471-2288. 22(1), p. 1–19. doi: 10.1186/s12874-022-01732-4. Full text in Research Archive
• Robstad, Anja Nastasja; Westergren, Per Christer Thomas; Mølland, Eirin; Abildsnes, Eirik; Haraldstad, Kristin & Køpp, Unni Mette Stamnes [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Experiences of Norwegian child and school health nurses with the “Starting Right™” child health assessment innovation: a qualitative interview study. BMC Health Services Research. ISSN 1472-6963. 22(1). doi: 10.1186/s12913-022-08088-x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Although child health services are well established in Norway, the use of information technology for the systematic collection of evidence-based child- and proxy-reported health measures may be benefcial in the early identifcation of child development problems. The Norwegian “Starting Right™” health service innovation consists of parent- and child-reported online structured health assessments tools, including practical routines for child and school health assessments. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of child and school health nurses with the Starting Right innovation. Methods: We used a qualitative design and conducted three focus group interviews with 18 child and school health nurses from three child health centres one year after the implementation of the innovation. Results: The experiences of professionals with the Starting Right innovation were captured by three themes: (1) the digital innovation could be used to obtain a good overview of a child’s health and development; (2) interpreting the questionnaires was a challenge; and (3) implementing the new digital innovation was time-consuming. Conclusions: Overall, the child and school health nurses experienced that the Starting Right innovation was useful for providing a comprehensive overview of child development and health. The challenges related to interpreting the parents’ scores and follow-up of children, as well as providing the questionnaires in relevant foreign languages, should be addressed to allow all children and families to be reached

• Bjørnarå, Helga Birgit; Westergren, Thomas; Sejersted, Ellen; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Berntsen, Sveinung [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2021). Does organized sports participation in childhood and adolescence positively influence health? A review of reviews. Preventive Medicine Reports. ISSN 2211-3355. 23. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101425. Full text in Research Archive
• Westergren, Thomas; Fegran, Liv; Antonsen, Anne Jørstad; Mikkelsen, Hilde E. Timenes; Hennig, Camilla Bæck & Køpp, Unni Mette (2021). Prevention of overweight and obesity in a Norwegian public health care context: a mixed-methods study. BMC Public Health. ISSN 1471-2458. 21. doi: 10.1186/s12889-021-11096-x. Full text in Research Archive
• Fegran, Liv; Johannessen, Berit; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Westergren, Thomas; Høie, Magnhild & Slettebø, Åshild [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2021). Experiences of a non-clinical set of adolescents and young adults living with persistent pain: a qualitative metasynthesis. BMJ Open. ISSN 2044-6055. 11(4), p. 1–11. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043776. Full text in Research Archive
• Mackintosh, Kelly A.; McNarry, Melitta A.; Berntsen, Sveinung; Steele, James; Sejersted, Ellen & Westergren, Thomas (2021). Physical activity and sedentary time in children and adolescents with asthma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 31(6), p. 1183–1195. doi: 10.1111/sms.13937. Full text in Research Archive
• Westergren, Thomas; Mølland, Eirin; Haraldstad, Kristin; Håland, Åshild Tellefsen; Køpp, Unni Mette & Fegran, Liv [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2021). Implementation of the norwegian ‘Starting right’ child health service innovation: implementation adjustments, adoption, and acceptability. BMC Health Services Research. ISSN 1472-6963. 21. doi: 10.1186/s12913-021-06096-x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: An increased and/or stable proportion of the child and adolescent population reports symptoms ofimpaired health, and the symptoms can be identified early. Therefore, structured child- and parent-reportedoutcome measures need to be implemented in child and school health services for decision support andidentification of children at risk. We aimed to (a) qualitatively examine adjustments of active implementation fromthe pilot implementation of the Norwegian‘Starting Right’health service innovation including an online childhealth assessment tool and practical routines, and (b) measure practitioners ́ adoption and parental acceptability. Methods: We used a mixed-methods design to qualitatively examine adjustments from working notes andmeeting memoranda, and quantitatively assess adoption and acceptability from user rates provided by the systemslog. Twenty-one child and school health nurses (CSHNs) from two child health centers participated in theimplementation pilot of online health assessments in children aged 2-, 4- and 6-year. We used a deductive andnarrative analysis approach using Fixsen et al. ́s core implementation components to code and sort adjustments. Results: Core implementation components were adjusted throughout the pilot implementation. Researchers ́increased their availability in reciprocity with staff evaluation to integrate active implementation adjustments. Welaunched a project for improved data systems integration. The overall CSHNs adoption rate was satisfactory andhigher in center A, where a medical secretary supported the nurses through the entire pilot phase, than in center B(96 vs. 55 %). Parental acceptability rate was overall high (77 %) with increased rates among parents of 6-year-oldchildren (98 %) compared with younger ones (78–85 %), and in cases where both parents received thequestionnaires. Conclusions: The ‘Starting Right’ health service innovation implementation was actively adjusted by integration of core implementation components mainly based on staff evaluation. The CSHNs adopted the innovation which was also acceptable to parents.

• Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Hall, Elisabeth O.C.; Westergren, Thomas; Aagaard, Hanne; Uhrenfeldt, Lisbeth & Fegran, Liv (2020). Being cross pressured - parents’ experiences of the transfer from paediatric to adult care services for their young people with long term conditions: a systematic review and qualitative research synthesis. International Journal of Nursing Studies. ISSN 0020-7489. 115. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103851. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjørnarå, Helga Birgit; Westergren, Thomas; Fegran, Liv; te Velde, Saskia J.; Fyhri, Aslak & Deforche, Benedicte [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2020). Cumbersome but desirable — Breaking the code of everyday cycling. PLOS ONE. ISSN 1932-6203. 15(9), p. 1–20. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239127. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction Cycling for transport could integrate physical activity (PA) into daily routines and potentially increase total PA levels. However, for parents with young children, most factors affecting transport mode choice tend to facilitate car use. Greater insight is necessary into reasons for (not) using sustainable transport modes in parents with young children. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the experiences, including motives, perceptions, attitudes, and norms, of parents of young children by using an e-bike, a longtail bike, and a traditional bike for everyday travel to the workplace, kindergarten, and the grocery store during the autumn, winter, and spring, in nine months. Methods Semistructured focus group interviews were conducted with 18 parents of young children residing in southern Norway. Parents were recruited through Facebook announcements and direct contact with kindergartens, selected organisations, and companies in the Kristiansand municipality. Data were analysed by systematic text condensation by using NVivo V.11. Results Participants’ experiences were summarised by three main themes: ‘cycling is cumbersome’, ‘cycling reflects the desirable me’, and ‘breaking the cycling code’. Time use, planning, logistics, wet and cold weather, long distances, and no cycling habit were frequently mentioned barriers, and the most notable facilitator was the children’s attitude towards cycling. In general, children loved to cycle and preferred cycling to driving. Additionally, the freedom and independence of cycling were emphasised and valued. Conclusion In challenging weather conditions, parents of young children may experience cycling as cumbersome but desirable, and bike access could increase the feasibility of daily cycling.

• Stålesen, Jarle Hansen; Westergren, Thomas; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Berntsen, Sveinung (2020). A Mapping Review of Physical Activity Recordings Derived From Smartphone Accelerometers. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. ISSN 1543-3080. 17(11), p. 1184–1192. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2020-0041.
• Brynjulfsen, Trine; Demmelmaier, Ingrid; Berntsen, Sveinung; Foyn, Tonje Hellum; Andersen, Oddbjørn Klomsten & Stang, Julie [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2020). Motivation for physical activity in adolescents with asthma. Journal of Asthma. ISSN 0277-0903. doi: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1778025. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: We explored motivation for physical activity (PA) and exercise in adolescents with asthma who entered and continued a 10-week play-based exercise intervention. Methods: Eighteen adolescents with asthma, aged 13–17 years, participated in a 10-week play- and interval-based indoor exercise intervention during winter and autumn months. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted in weeks 2 and 8, focusing on motivation for PA and exercise, as well as field observations of exercise sessions in weeks 2, 6, and 8. The first interview was analyzed separately from the second one and descriptive observational data were obtained using thematic analysis and self-determination theory as a framework. Results: In the first round of focus group interviews, participants (n = 18) described amotivation and motivation for PA within the following five themes: “teachers’ lack of asthma knowledge”, “embarrassment over asthma symptoms”, “not being able to keep pace with peers”, “seasonal challenges”, and “mastering fun physical activities”. Based on the second interview (n = 14) and descriptive observational data (n = 18), participants reported and revealed amotivation and motivation for PA within the following four themes: “understanding and relatedness”, “social support”, “competition”, and “mastering fun activities”. Conclusion: We conclude that play-based exercises designed for groups of adolescents with asthma can support motivation for PA and exercise and reduce social and asthma-specific barriers.

• Johannessen, Berit; Høie, Magnhild; Haraldstad, Kristin; Helseth, Sølvi; Fegran, Liv & Westergren, Thomas [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). School nurses’ and teachers’ perceptions of pain in young immigrants living in Norway. International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care. ISSN 1747-9894. 16(1). doi: 10.1108/IJMHSC-01-2019-0005.
• Westergren, Thomas; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Audulv, Åsa; Aagaard, Hanne; Hall, Elisabeth O.C. & Pedersen, Mona Kyndi [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2020). Physical activity experiences of children and adolescents with asthma: a qualitative systematic review protocol. JBI Evidence Synthesis. ISSN 2689-8381. 18, p. 2390–2395. doi: 10.11124/JBIES-20-00004.
• Robstad, Anja Nastasja; Westergren, Thomas; Siebler, Frank; Söderhamn, Ulrika & Fegran, Liv (2019). Intensive care nurses' implicit and explicit attitudes and their behavioural intentions toward obese intensive care patients. Journal of Advanced Nursing. ISSN 0309-2402. 75(12), p. 3631–3642. doi: 10.1111/jan.14205.
• Robstad, Anja Nastasja; Siebler, Frank; Söderhamn, Ulrika; Westergren, Thomas & Fegran, Liv (2018). Design and psychometric testing of instruments to measure qualified intensive care nurses' attitudes toward obese intensive care patients. Research in Nursing and Health. ISSN 0160-6891. p. 1–10. doi: 10.1002/nur.21914.
• Høie, Magnhild; Haraldstad, Kristin; Rohde, Gudrun E.; Fegran, Liv; Westergren, Thomas & Helseth, Sølvi [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2017). How school nurses experience and understand everyday pain among adolescents. BMC Nursing. ISSN 1472-6955. 16(1). doi: 10.1186/s12912-017-0247-x. Full text in Research Archive
• Westergren, Thomas; Berntsen, Sveinung; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Aagaard, Hanne; Hall, Elisabeth O.C. & Ommundsen, Yngvar [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2017). Relationships between physical activity level and psychosocial and socioeconomic factors and issues in children and adolescents with asthma: a scoping review. The JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports. ISSN 2202-4433. 15(8), p. 2183–2222. doi: 10.11124/JBISRIR-2016-003308. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic airway disease which may reduce capability for physical activity. In healthy peers, physical activity is influenced by psychosocial and socioeconomic factors. Knowledge about the role of these factors has not been mapped in children and adolescents with asthma. Objective: The main objective of this scoping review was to identify psychosocial and socioeconomic factors associated with physical activity level in children and adolescents with asthma in the literature. The specific objectives were to map the instruments used to measure these factors, report on the construction and validation of these instruments, map psychosocial and socioeconomic issues related to physical activity level reported in qualitative studies, and identify gaps in knowledge about the relationship between psychosocial and socioeconomic factors and physical activity level in children and adolescents with asthma. Inclusion criteria: Types of participants: Children and adolescents with asthma aged six to 18 years. Concept: Psychosocial and socioeconomic factors related to physical activity level and participation. Context: All physical activity contexts. Types of sources: Quantitative and qualitative primary studies in English, with no date limit. Search strategy: The databases searched included nine major databases for health and sports science, and five databases for unpublished studies. After screening and identification of studies, the reference lists of all identified reports were searched, and forward citation searches were conducted using four databases. Extraction of the results: The following data were extracted: (a) relevant study characteristics and assessment of physical activity level, (b) instruments used to assess psychosocial and socioeconomic factors, (c) association between physical activity level and these factors, (d) construction and validation of instruments, and (e) psychosocial and socioeconomic issues related to physical activity participation. Presentation of the results: Twenty-one quantitative and 13 qualitative studies were included. In cross-sectional studies, enjoyment, physical self-concept, self-efficacy, attitudes and beliefs about physical activity and health, psychological distress, healthrelated quality of life, and social support were more often reported as being correlated with physical activity level. In three studies, the construct validity was assessed by factor analysis and construct reliability tests for the study population. Qualitative studies reported 10 issues related to physical activity participation, and capability and being like peers were most commonly reported. There was no direct evidence that qualitative research informed the development or adjustment of instruments in quantitative studies. Conclusions: Seven psychosocial factors correlated with physical activity level; capability and being like peers were the most commonly reported issues. Reports of the construction and validation of instruments were sparse.

• Westergren, Thomas; Berntsen, Sveinung; Carlsen, Karin C. Lødrup; Mowinckel, Petter; Håland, Geir & Fegran, Liv [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2016). Perceived exercise limitation in asthma: the role of disease severity, overweight and physical activity in children. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. ISSN 0905-6157. 28(1), p. 86–92. doi: 10.1111/pai.12670. Full text in Research Archive
• Westergren, Thomas; Fegran, Liv; Nilsen, Tonje; Haraldstad, Kristin; Kittang, Ole Bjørn & Berntsen, Sveinung (2016). Active play exercise intervention in children with asthma: a pilot study. BMJ Open. ISSN 2044-6055. 2016:e009721(6), p. 1–10. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009721. Full text in Research Archive
• Fegran, Liv; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Aagaard, Hanne; Uhrenfeldt, Lisbeth; Westergren, Thomas & Hall, Elisabeth OC (2016). Experiences of health care providers in the transfer of adolescent or young adults with a chronic condition from pediatric to adult hospital care: a systematic review protocol protocol. The JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports. ISSN 2202-4433. 14(2), p. 38–48. doi: 10.11124/jbisrir-2016-2496.
• Rohde, Gudrun-Elin; Westergren, Thomas; Haraldstad, Kristin; Johannessen, Berit A. T.; Høie, Magnhild & Helseth, Sølvi [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2015). Teachers’ experiences of adolescents’ pain in everyday life: a qualitative study. BMJ Open. ISSN 2044-6055. 5(9). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007989. Full text in Research Archive
• Westergren, Thomas; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Carlsen, Karin C. Lødrup; Carlsen, Kai-Håkon; Mowinckel, Petter & Fegran, Liv [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). A nested case-control study: Personal, social and environmental correlates of vigorous physical activity in adolescents with asthma. Journal of Asthma. ISSN 0277-0903. 52(2), p. 155–161. doi: 10.3109/02770903.2014.955190.
• Westergren, Thomas; Berntsen, Sveinung; Nilsen, Tonje; Haraldstad, Kristin; Kittang, Ole Bjørn & Fegran, Liv (2014). How do children with asthma interact with parents about medications? European Respiratory Journal. ISSN 0903-1936. 44(P1160).
• Westergren, Thomas & Lilleaas, Ulla-Britt (2012). Adolescent boys with asthma – a pilot study on embodied gendered habits. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare. ISSN 1178-2390. 5, p. 289 –297. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S37517. Show summary

  Purpose: Asthma is a common chronic disease with gender differences in terms of severity and quality of life. This study aimed to understand the gendered practices of male asthmatic adolescents in terms of living with and managing their chronic disease. The study applied a sociological perspective to identify the gender-related practices of participants and their possible consequences for health and disease. Patients and methods: The study used a combined ethnomethodology and grounded theory design, which was interpreted using Bourdieu's theory of practice. We aimed to discover how participants interpreted their social worlds to create a sense of meaning in their everyday lives. The study was based on multistage focus group interviews with five adolescent participants at a specialist center for asthmatic children and youths. We took necessary precautions to protect the participants, according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics and the hospital's research department. Results: The core concept for asthmatic male adolescents was being men. They were focused on being nonasthmatic, and exhibited ambivalence towards the principles of the health services. Physical activity supported their aim of being men and being nonasthmatic, as well as supported their treatment goals. Being fearless, unconcerned, “cool,” and dependent also supported the aim of being men and being nonasthmatic, but not the health service principle of regular medication. Occasionally, the participants were asthmatic when they were not able to or gained no advantages from being nonasthmatic. Their practice of being men independently of being asthmatic emphasized their deeply gendered habits. Conclusion: Understanding gender differences in living with and managing asthma is important for health workers. Knowledge of embodied gendered habits and their reproduction in social interactions and clinical work should be exploited as a resource during the supervision of asthmatic adolescent boys.

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• Westergren, Per Christer Thomas (2022). Ages 2 to 7 years as a window of opportunity.
• Westergren, Per Christer Thomas (2022). Godt begynt for og om barns subjektive helse i helsestasjon og skolehelsetjenesten - teknologi til å spørre, forstå og anvende.
• Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Hall, Elisabeth O. C.; Westergren, Per Christer Thomas; Aagaard, Hanne & Fegran, Liv (2021). Effect sizes in qualitative research synthesis: How effect size calculations improve the quality of qualitative research synthesis.
• Audulv, Åsa; Hall, Elisabeth O. C.; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Westergren, Per Christer Thomas; Kneck, Åsa & Pedersen, Mona Kyndi [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2021). Exploring longitudinal qualitative research method using adapted scoping review method: Lessons learnt while conducting research on research.
• Fegran, Liv; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Westergren, Per Christer Thomas & Aagaard, Hanne (2021). A meta-aggregative approach to the synthesis of nurses' and physicians' experiences in a health-care contex.
• Westergren, Thomas (2020). Presentasjon av Godt begynt – varig endring for Agder. Show summary

  Godt begynt er et forskningsstøttet innovasjonsprosjekt, og arbeider for å bedre barn og unges helse, og for at helsesykepleiere skal ha best tilgjengelig kunnskap i sitt arbeid. I forbindelse med planlagte kontroller hos helsesykepleier vil foreldre og barnet selv bli bedt om å svare på validerte spørreskjema om generell og sosioemosjonell utvikling, generell psykisk helse og angst, samt helserelatert livskvalitet. Spørreskjemaene distribueres online i forkant av helsekontroller, og når de er besvart foreligger det en automatisk generert rapport som helsesykepleier har tilgang til. Informasjonen lagres også etter samtykke for befolkningsoversikt etter intensjonene i Folkehelseloven, og til longitudinell forskning om barns helse. Foreløpige resultater tilsier at både tjenesteytere og -mottakere aksepterer og anvender løsningen. Prosjektet setter søkelyset på erfaringer til helsesykepleiere, foreldre og barn, både med løsningen som brukes i prosjektet, og med egenregistrering og bruken av helseopplysninger.

• Westergren, Thomas; Stang, Julie; Stensrud, Trine; Andersen, Oddbjørn Klomsten; Sigdestad, Joakim Bordvik & Brynjulfsen, Trine [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2019). Exercise adherence and psychological needs satisfaction in the PhysicaL activity and Asthma in Youth (PLAY) intervention.
• Westergren, Thomas; Berntsen, Sveinung & Fegran, Liv (2018). PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF ASTHMA RELATED EXERCISE LIMITATION IN THE LITERATURE.
• Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Hall, Elisabeth O.C.; Uhrenfeldt, Lisbeth; Aagaard, Hanne; Westergren, Thomas & Fegran, Liv (2017). A systematic review and metasynthesis of parent experiences of chronic ill adolescents and young adult's transfer from pediatric to adult care.
• Westergren, Thomas (2017). Astma og fysisk aktivitet.
• Westergren, Thomas; Mowinckel, Petter; Håland, Geir; Fegran, Liv & Berntsen, Sveinung (2017). Opplever barn med astma at sykdommen begrenser deltakelse i fysisk aktivitet? Best Practice Lungemedisin i Norge. 7(25), p. 13–15.
• Westergren, Thomas; Fegran, Liv; Nilsen, Tonje; Haraldstad, Kristin; Kittang, Ole Bjørn & Berntsen, Sveinung (2017). Involving perceptions of children with asthma in the controlled exercise intervention – the PLAY-framework.
• Fegran, Liv; Haraldstad, Kristin; Westergren, Thomas; Johannessen, Berit; Slettebø, Åshild & Helseth, Sølvi [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2017). Adolescents and young adults’ experiences of living with everyday pain – a qualitative metasynthesis .
• Westergren, Thomas; Carlsen, Karin C. Lødrup; Carlsen, Kai-Håkon; Mowinckel, Petter; Fegran, Liv & Berntsen, Sveinung (2016). Basic self-reports as an indicator of physical activity. European Respiratory Journal. ISSN 0903-1936. 48. doi: 10.1183/13993003.congress-2016.PA1253.
• Westergren, Thomas; Berntsen, Sveinung; Ommundsen, Yngvar; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Aagaard, Hanne & Hall, Elisabeth O.C. [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2016). Advancing nursing science through multidisciplinary collaboration: experiences from the field of physical activity in children with asthma.
• Fegran, Liv; Ludvigsen, Mette Spliid; Uhrenfeldt, Lisbeth; Aagaard, Hanne; Westergren, Thomas & Hall, E.O.C (2016). Metasyntheses of nurses’ and physicians’ experiences - the challenge of extracting data from studies with multiple participating health care providers.
• Westergren, Thomas; Carlsen, Karin C. Lødrup; Mowinckel, Petter; Håland, Geir; Fegran, Liv & Berntsen, Sveinung [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). EXERCISE INDUCED BRONCHOCONSTRICTION IN CHILDREN WITHOUT ASTHMA.
• Nilsen, Tonje; Westergren, Thomas; Fegran, Liv; Haraldstad, Kristin; Kittang, Ole Bjørn & Berntsen, Sveinung (2014). Active play in children with asthma; a pilot intervention study.
• Westergren, Thomas; Berntsen, Sveinung; Nilsen, Tonje; Haraldstad, Kristin; Kittang, Ole Bjørn & Fegran, Liv (2014). How do children with asthma interact with parents about medications?
• Westergren, Thomas (2013). Maskulinitetsforståelser blant tenåringsgutter med astma.
• Westergren, Thomas; Carlsen, Karin C. Lødrup; Carlsen, Kai-Håkon; Fegran, Liv & Berntsen, Sveinung (2013). Self-reported exercise limitations in asthmatic adolescents.
• Westergren, Thomas & Lilleaas, Ulla-Britt (2013). Tenåringsgutter med astma - dype vaner innvirker på liv, helse og sykdom. BestPractice. Lungemedisin. 3(7), p. 26–28.
• Westergren, Thomas (2012). Adolescent boys with asthma being men - ambivalence with implications.
• Westergren, Thomas (2017). "Pushing myself is easier when Physical activity is fun" : Children and adolescents with asthma and their perceptions of participation in physical activity. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788271178574. Full text in Research Archive

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