The Mother in Norway Study (MiNS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of the Nurse–Family Partnership home visiting programme
Eirin Pedersen, Joakim Finne, Ira Malmberg-Heimonen, Kjersti Stabell Wiggen, Wendy Nilsen, Ane-Marthe Solheim Skar, Eivor Fredriksen, Eva Marie Flaathen, Milada Hagen, Torill Alise Rotevatn, Henning Øien, Maria Ekre, Nicole L.A. Catherine, Anne Grete TøgeAims:
Since 2015, the Norwegian government has prioritized early prevention of social inequities and child maltreatment. As part of this, it has commissioned an evaluation of the Nurse–Family Partnership programme (NFP) adapted for Norway. NFP is a manualized, intensive nurse home-visiting programme to support families experiencing disadvantage from early pregnancy until the child is 2 years old.
Methods:
The Mother in Norway Study (MiNS) is a parallel-group randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of the NFP programme versus standard care in improving maternal and child outcomes. A total of 700 participants is being recruited between 2023 and 2026 at least 12 weeks before their due date, screened for eligibility, and individually randomly assigned (1:1) to standard care alone or NFP plus standard care. Both groups may access usual community services. Primary outcomes are maternal-reported intimate partner violence and child maltreatment risk, assessed at baseline and 24 months postpartum using the Composite Abuse Scale – Revised Short Form (CASr-SF) and the Brief Child Abuse Potential Inventory (BCAPI), respectively. Secondary outcomes include maternal mental health, parenting, child socioemotional development, parent–child interaction, and health-related outcomes assessed through questionnaires and linked administrative data. Analyses will follow the intention to treat principle, with statisticians blinded to allocation. Cost-effectiveness analyses will estimate the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained.
Conclusions:
This trial will generate evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the NFP in Norway, inform policymaking for early prevention of child health inequities, and establish a foundation for longer-term follow-up.