Berit Johannessen

Berit Johannessen is a Professor at the University of Agder (UiA), affiliated with the Department of Health and Nursing Sciences. Her research focuses on nursing practices, cultural competence, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and global health initiatives. She leads the HEIFA research group (Health and quality of life in a family perspective) and contributes to the Anthrozoology group, exploring human-animal interactions in healthcare.

Her work emphasizes qualitative research, including studies on caregiver experiences in Tanzania, nursing students’ pandemic challenges, and cross-cultural healthcare delivery. She has collaborated on projects like the Banana Project in Tanzania and Norway’s School Meal Intervention, addressing health equity and community engagement. Johannessen teaches nursing and public health at both bachelor’s and master’s levels, integrating research into education.

Key research themes include animal-assisted therapy (e.g., dog visits in nursing homes), aromatherapy for dementia patients, and immigrant health in Norway. Her articles highlight global partnerships, culturally sensitive care, and the impact of eHealth in cancer care.

Advising and grants: While no formal student advisees are listed, her projects involve collaborations with international teams and community stakeholders. She has contributed to initiatives such as the Tanga International Competence Centre (TICC) in Tanzania, fostering cross-cultural knowledge transfer.

Labs/teams: Active in HEIFA and Anthrozoology groups, her work bridges clinical practice and public health, with a focus on marginalized populations and innovative therapies.