Determinants in Norwegian Local Government Health Promotion – Institutional Perspectives ^☆

The chapter is written as a part of Norwegian Research Council project no. 806614: Addressing the Social Determinants of Health. Multilevel Governance of Policies Aimed at Families with Children and Norwegian Research Council project no. 208276: Challenges for Governance and Planning in Cities and Municipalities (Research institution-based strategic project – SIS-miljø).

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter analyses and discusses local government health promotion in Norway.

Approach/methodology

Institutional theory indicates that political and administrative jurisdictions are path dependent in their policy formation and implementation. By using data from different sources this assumption is analysed and discussed according to health promotion in Norwegian municipalities. The main methodology is cross tabulations, bivariate correlations and regression is carried out to supplement analyses.

Findings

Municipalities are path dependent in their health promotion policies. They acknowledge and prioritize health behaviour independent of experienced socio-economic challenges, municipal capacity as size and income, and local government political profile. Competence devoted to health promotion can create changes in policies.

Limitation/policy implications

The rhetoric on determinants and social determinants in particular is new in Norway. Rhetoric on, and interventions, that highlight the social determinants of health need to be coordinated.

Originality

The chapter presents new knowledge on Norwegian local government health promotion and how this is implemented in relation to the challenges experienced.

Citation

Helgesen, M.K. and Hofstad, H. (2014), "Determinants in Norwegian Local Government Health Promotion – Institutional Perspectives ^☆

The chapter is written as a part of Norwegian Research Council project no. 806614: Addressing the Social Determinants of Health. Multilevel Governance of Policies Aimed at Families with Children and Norwegian Research Council project no. 208276: Challenges for Governance and Planning in Cities and Municipalities (Research institution-based strategic project – SIS-miljø).

", Technology, Communication, Disparities and Government Options in Health and Health Care Services (Research in the Sociology of Health Care, Vol. 32), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 143-180. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0275-495920140000032019