Researchers affiliated with Driv and their research
Researchers affiliated with Driv study a variety of topics within public health and primary care research. Here, you can get to know the different areas and find information about research projects, research groups, and other initiatives related to the field.
Menopause
Contact Person: Inger Haukenes
One in three women experiences significant symptoms during menopause, leading to a considerable reduction in quality of life and contributing to increased absenteeism from work.
The silence and stigma surrounding women’s menopause have left a knowledge gap not only among women themselves but also within healthcare education, the health services, and Norwegian workplaces. This lack of awareness means that women seeking help often fail to identify their symptoms as menopause-related. Instead, symptoms like pain, low mood, headaches, or fatigue are categorized as "diffuse and generalized women’s ailments," which are also among the leading causes of sick leave for women in this age group. Women in midlife are a vital resource in the Norwegian workforce, playing a crucial role in addressing the aging population in public healthcare systems.
Many women and men aged 45 to 55 are at the peak of their careers and still considered young in the context of working life. Therefore, we cannot afford to lose women to long-term sick leave, disability assessments, or early retirement due to menopause symptoms.
Research Gaps in Menopause, Work, and Health
There is limited research on menopause, work, and health in general. In Norway, there are currently no studies specifically addressing "menopause and work." Internationally, findings suggest that information and communication about menopause in the workplace can help reduce stigma and alleviate symptoms. Although research on menopause and absenteeism is scarce, existing studies suggest reduced work capacity and a higher likelihood of sick leave. Studies also show that women with significant symptoms consider changing jobs, reducing their working hours, or leaving the workforce entirely. Having control over one’s work situation is a key factor in remaining employed.
What can help women with significant menopause symptoms remain in the workforce? Key factors include:
- Positive experiences with primary healthcare services
- Leaders knowledgeable about menopause who are willing to implement measures to reduce symptoms
- Peer support and experience-sharing among colleagues
- Increased flexibility and control over work situations
- The option to take breaks
- Practical adjustments such as temperature control, access to cold water, and breathable work clothing
The KLAR Project
The project KLAR - Women’s Health, Menopause, and Work (funded by the Grieg Foundation, 2024-2027) focuses on four key areas to increase knowledge:
- Study 1 explores how menopause is experienced by women and addressed in healthcare and the workplace within the context of the Norwegian welfare state. Interviews are conducted with women both in and out of the workforce, leaders in private and public sectors, and personnel from public and private healthcare services to identify factors that support a sustainable working life for women in menopause.
- Study 2 utilizes Norway’s unique health and welfare registries to examine variations in diagnosis patterns, healthcare trajectories, and absenteeism among midlife women. This study provides a broad overview that complements the in-depth insights from Study 1.
- Study 3 investigates the relevance, applicability, and adaptation of European menopause workplace guidelines (EMAS) to Norwegian workplaces. Researchers will engage experts across various levels of the workforce, from employees to leaders and trade unions, to gather feedback on EMAS and work towards consensus on guidelines.
- Ongoing Communication and Knowledge Sharing is a continuous effort aimed at disseminating information to businesses, organizations, healthcare services, and the public. This aspect is prioritized to meet the growing demand for knowledge about women’s health, menopause, and work.
Through these initiatives, the KLAR project aims to address the gaps in knowledge and provide practical solutions for improving women’s health and participation in the workforce during menopause.
Bone Fractures
Contact person: Bård Bogen
Bone mineral density increases as we grow from childhood to adulthood. After reaching adulthood, it gradually declines, making bones more prone to fractures. This is particularly true for women, as the loss of bone mass accelerates after menopause. For many, the loss of bone mass becomes significant enough to be classified as osteoporotic or having brittle bones. Osteoporotic fractures, often referred to as low-energy fractures, occur from minor incidents, such as a fall from standing height. Research shows that women experience a much higher incidence of common low-energy fractures, such as wrist fractures, spinal compression fractures, and hip fractures, compared to men. These fractures can significantly impact health and functional ability, especially with advancing age.
Impact of Osteoporosis Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis or experiencing a fracture can be life-changing. Many individuals significantly reduce their activity levels due to fear of further fractures. However, research indicates that maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial—not only for overall health but also because physical activity strengthens bones. There is a clear need for increased expertise on how to advise older individuals with low-energy fractures on safe exercise and physical activity.
Risk of Subsequent Fractures
Studies further show that individuals who have suffered one low-energy fracture are significantly more likely to experience additional fractures. It is therefore essential that these individuals undergo bone density assessments to evaluate their risk. If osteoporosis is diagnosed, appropriate treatment—such as osteoporosis medication and fall-prevention training—can be initiated.
Fracture Liaison Services (FLS)
Many hospitals worldwide have established Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) to identify older patients with fractures and refer them for assessment and treatment. Research shows that these services can significantly reduce the risk of subsequent fractures. In Norway, several hospitals offer such services, although Bergen does not yet have one.
Developing FLS in Bergen
The Bergen Geriatric Research Group is working to develop such services in Bergen. A pilot project is currently underway at Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, where individuals admitted to the orthopedic department are identified and offered bone density measurement and fall risk assessment. The primary goal of the pilot is to gain practical experience and generate insights into how an FLS can be effectively implemented in Bergen.
Additionally, funding has been applied for to support a Ph.D. project aimed at developing a training and information program for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures.
DiaMeno – Diabetes and Menopause
Contact Person: Hilde Kristin Refvik Riise (external link)
Living with diabetes can present different challenges at various stages of life. For women with diabetes, menopause may bring unique difficulties. For example, hormonal changes can affect blood glucose levels, and a lack of knowledge or experience in managing diabetes during menopause can become an emotional burden, impacting quality of life.
The DiaMeno project aims to provide a deeper understanding of how menopause affects the daily lives of women with diabetes. Through an ongoing scoping review, we seek to identify, summarize, and evaluate existing literature on menopausal symptoms and psychosocial aspects in women with diabetes.
Additionally, we plan to conduct three empirical studies. Among women with type 1 diabetes (T1D), we aim to carry out one quantitative and one qualitative study:
- Examining associations between the burden of menopausal symptoms and diabetes self-management, glucose control/variability, and diabetes-related stress.
- Exploring experiences of menopause in this population.We also plan to use quantitative methods to:
- Investigate associations between the burden of menopausal symptoms and anxiety/depression in women with and without T1D.
The DiaMeno project is led by the DiaBEST research group at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. The project will contribute new knowledge aimed at improving the quality of care and support for women with diabetes going through menopause.
Pregnancy outcomes related to country of birth
Contact person: Eline Skirnisdottir Vik (external link)
In this interdisciplinary project, we study pregnancy outcomes among immigrant women in Norway. The immigrant population is constantly evolving, and today, one in four children in Norway is born to a woman with an immigrant background. Certain subgroups of immigrant women face an increased risk of serious pregnancy complications, such as stillbirth, preterm birth, and placental abruption. At the same time, maternity care in Norway is rarely tailored to their specific needs.
The project uses data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) and Statistics Norway (SSB) for the period 1990–2021. Access to detailed information on pregnancy and birth, the mother’s and father’s country of origin, reason for immigration, length of residence in Norway, and socioeconomic factors such as education and income enables statistically robust analyses with high clinical relevance.
One subproject also includes data from the Norwegian Adult Diabetes Registry (NDR-A). The aim is to identify subgroups of immigrant women associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as stillbirth, postpartum hemorrhage, and unplanned out-of-hospital deliveries. By generating new knowledge, we hope to help reduce the disparities observed in clinical practice and alleviate the burden that severe complications place on affected families.
CompMid – Ensuring a Competent and sustainable workforce of Midwives in Norway
Contact person: Erica Schytt (external link)
There is a severe shortage of midwives – in Norway, the Nordic region, and globally – which is having serious consequences for maternity, childbirth, and postnatal care. To meet the demand for midwives, we not only need more newly trained professionals but also must develop strategies to retain experienced midwives who can provide high-quality care, mentor younger colleagues, and ensure safe practices.
The researchers in the CompMid project aim to uncover why many midwives leave the profession and pursue other career paths. What will it take to bring them back? And how should midwives be trained for the future of care to ensure they stay in the profession?
The project has been awarded 12 million NOK by the Research Council of Norway, and the goal of CompMid is to generate knowledge that enables policymakers to implement evidence-based measures ensuring sustainable maternity, childbirth, and postnatal care.
Bergen municipality research
Do you want to conduct research with the municipality in health and care services?
Kunnskapskommunen Helse Omsorg Vest is a knowledge initiative for municipal health and care services. The collaboration is led by the City of Bergen through the Department for Elderly, Health, and Care Services (BEHO). The Agency for Children and Family under the Department for Child Welfare, Social Services, and Diversity (BBSM) is also represented in the collaboration.
Eleven municipalities and eight research and educational institutions work together to strengthen research, innovation, and knowledge development in the services—ensuring that residents receive the best evidence-based services.
To initiate a research collaboration, a formal request must be submitted. Kunnskapskommunen accepts research inquiries in health and care from researchers, master's students, and other stakeholders, primarily from our R&D partners. Our R&D partners include: University of Bergen, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, NORCE, Haukeland University Hospital (Helse Bergen), Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, VID Specialized University, Kristiania University College
For more information and the research inquiry form, visit City of Bergen - Research Inquiries (in Norwegian) (external link)
