Zoom link
Zoom link trial lecture and public defense (oslomet.zoom.us).
Meeting ID: 690 2492 3026
Password: 222
Trial lecture
Time for trial lecture: 14.00 in Zoom.
We ask the audience to enter Zoom 15 minutes prior to commencement of the trial lecture.
Title: "Describe a new vision for CP services in Moldova that builds on what is known about CP and childhood disability in 2021. In particular, how may the concepts presented in the ICF Framework for health and the F-Words contribute to improvements in service systems?"
Public defense
The candidate will defend her thesis at 15.30 in Zoom.
Ordinary opponents
- First opponent: Professor Peter Rosenbaum, Mc Master University, Canada
- Second opponent: Deputy director, dr Solveig Sigurdardottir, State Diagnostic and Counselling Centre, Island
- Leader of the evaluation committee/Chair of the committee: Professor Margreth Grotle, OsloMet
Leader of the public defense
Vice Dean for Innovation and interdisciplinary education programs Kaare Magne Nielsen
Supervisors
- Main supervisor: Professor Reidun B. Jahnsen, University of Oslo
- Co-supervisor: Associate Professor Guro L. Andersen, NTNU
- Co-supervisor: Professor Larisa Spineu, State Medical and Pharmacy University, Moldova
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) remains the most common cause of chronic motor disorders in childhood and represents a life-long disability. This thesis is the first national study of the distribution of subtypes, severity, risk factors and potential influence of early intervention (EI) programmes among children with CP in Moldova.
The aims of this PhD-project were: 1. to identify and describe the prevalence and panorama of CP in Moldova; 2. to identify risk factors for CP in Moldova and 3. to investigate associations between early intervention programmes and the prevalence of impairments in children with CP in Moldova.
A population-based study of a cohort of children with CP born in 2009-2010 was conducted in Moldova. The data for these 396 identified children, 351 with complete data, were extracted from the medical records in the archives of hospitals, rehabilitation centres and orphanages across the country. The CP definition and classification system agreed upon by the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE) were applied.
The first study showed that the estimated prevalence of CP in Moldova was 3.4 per 1000 live births. Most children were classified with spastic bilateral CP (61%), 20% with spastic unilateral CP, 12% with dyskinetic, 5% with ataxic CP, and 2% were unclassified. The number of children with severe gross motor and associated impairments was higher than shown in comparable studies. The study on risk factors for CP showed that maternal residence in rural areas, low socioeconomic status, chronic diseases and alcohol consumption during pregnancy all increased the risk of CP and had high attributable fraction (AF). Home birth and breech delivery, hyperbilirubinemia, Apgar score (0–3) at five minutes, and multiple gestation, also had high AF of CP. The third study showed no difference in outcomes of cognition, communication, vision or hearing impairments between those enrolled or not enrolled in early intervention programmes. However, the subgroup analyses showed that the risk of contractures was 11 times higher among non-walking children who were not enrolled in early intervention programmes.
Based on the findings above, we consider that the most immediate actions are to improve the pregnancy and maternity care; to revise the national clinic protocols and guidelines; to include needed course materials related to CP into the curricula of the medical university and to establish a national CP register in Moldova.
Digital defense information
The OsloMet campus is closed as a consequence of the corona virus pandemic
Due to restrictions and limitations on physical participation, the public defense will be conducted on the zoom digital platform.
Attend the public defense live in Zoom
The link to the digital defense in Zoom is on the top of this page. OsloMet students and employees use OsloMet accounts. Others can download Zoom or use a browser.
How to oppose ex auditorio
Please send your question to the host during the break, before the second opponent begins. Raise your digital hand by clicking on "Participants" at the bottom of the zoom window and choose "Raise Hand" if you would like to voice the question yourself after both opponents have finished their questions. The technical administrator will ask to activate your microphone. Click Yes.
Attend the trial lecture live in Zoom
The link to the trial lecture in Zoom is the same as the public defense. We ask the audience to enter 15 minutes early by clicking the yellow button at the top of this page. You can leave the Webinar and come back or stay in Zoom during the break (30-45 minutes).
Need help to get into Zoom?
Publication of the approved PhD thesis
Request a copy of the PhD thesis by e-mail. Include the name of the PhD candidate.
Questions?
Who can answer questions prior to trial lecture and public defense? phd-hv@oslomet.no
