Social network stimulation. Health promotion in a high risk group of middle-aged women.

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Abstract
The article focuses on presenting methods developed in a network stimulation program among a high-risk group of middle-aged women living in Oslo, Norway. The aim of the program was to initiate in the women a process of getting acquainted, and even making friends, - and thus establishing new self-sustaining social networks. In the long run we believed such new relations would increase the quality of life and improve the overall mental health of the participants. During the program period of one year different groups and social activities were established in the neighborhood. Out of 50 women in the experimental group, 26 became active participants. Evaluation of the process was made at certain stages during the entire program. After one year of group participation, the progress of the experimental group (n = 50) was compared to that of the control group (n = 50). The results show that the women participating in the intervention program have improved their social networks and increased their quality of life and self-esteem compared to the control group. As to mental symptoms, it seems that their change depends on the degree of activity in the groups: the most active participants make friends, improve their existing networks, increase quality of life, and improve mental status. The passive participants, on the contrary, do not seem to have profited from the program so far. The full effect of the program will be evaluated in a later follow-up.

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