About COP study

Immigrants constitute almost 20% of the whole population in Norway per March 2023 as stated by Statistics Norway. Early Childhood caries (ECC) affects the children with immigrant background more than their native counterparts. It is assumed that parents of small children with immigrant background in Bergen may benefit from an early oral health information program that is adapted to their culture, life situation and specific needs as immigrants.

Obesity and dental caries constitute increasing public health problems worldwide. Both obesity and dental caries are chronic, highly prevalent, and multifactorial conditions, with significant and potentially lifelong impacts on health and quality of life. The two conditions are thought to share common contributing factors, including biological, genetic, socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, dietary and lifestyle factors. Parents play a pivotal role in promoting good oral health behaviours, which might be vital in the prevention of ECC and obesity.

A culturally adapted health intervention program, focusing dietary- and oral hygiene practice among immigrant families attending primary health care centres, is an innovative project for the Public Sector. The project is based on common risk factor approach (CRFA) and motivational interviewing (MI).

Phase Ⅰ (Intervention study):

A culturally adapted oral health education intervention to prevent the development of ECC and to improve parental oral health-related knowledge, attitudes and indulgence. In addition, it includes a qualitative study to gain a deeper understanding of the barriers to benefiting from the information that was provided during this project at the primary care health centres.

flytskjema for fase 1 i COP studie
Flytskjema for fase 1 i COP studie (Figur: COP prosjektgruppe)
flytskjema som visar tal på deltakarar i intervensjonsgruppa og kontrollgruppa
Flytskjema som visar tal på deltakarar i intervensjonsgruppa og kontrollgruppa. (Figur: COP prosjektgruppe)

This figure illustrates the study design. A total of 7 health centres having 475 participants with children 0-6 months were randomized to an intervention arm and a control arm in phase I.

Phase Ⅱ (Longitudinal study):

In a follow up study for children at age of 3 and 5 years old, further investigations will be carried out to evaluate the possible differences and similarities concerning oral health and oral heath related quality of life among parents with different cultural backgrounds.

The test group includes the immigrant parent and child at age of 3 years old from the Intervention study (2020-2022) which will be an immigrant group (IM). At the same time, a control group with children / parents without an immigrant background (N) will also be recruited.

Follow-up of the same groups, (children / parents with and without immigrant background when the children reached 5 years of age in 2025.

flytskjema for del 2 av COP studien
Flytskjema for del 2 av COP studie. (Figur: COP prosjektgruppe)

This figure illustrates phase Ⅱ of the COP study.

Ethical clearance 

  • Participation in the project was voluntary, and informed consent was obtained.
  • The study was approved by REK - Regional Ethical Committee and Sikt – Norwegian Agency for Shared Services in Education and Research
  • This study was registered as clinical trial at ClinicalTrials.gov

Project funding

This project is funded by the Norwegian Research Council (NFR) and the Oral Health Center of Expertise in Western Norway- TK Vestland.

Project partners

  • Bergen kommune
  • University of Bergen