Karolina Lindén

Karolina Lindén is a midwife, associate professor (docent) in reproductive and perinatal health, and lecturer (universitetslektor) at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. She holds a PhD in Health Care Sciences and is deeply involved in teaching midwifery and nursing students across multiple programs, including international nurse education and advanced-level courses in reproductive and perinatal health. Her clinical training contributions include skill-based sessions at the Clinical Training Centre (KTC).

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Care Sciences – University of Gothenburg
• Licensed Nurse and Licensed Midwife

Research Interests:

Karolina Lindén’s research centers on women with added medical risk during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She is particularly focused on patient-reported outcome and experience measures (PROMs/PREMs), using validated instruments in large population cohort studies and randomized controlled trials. Her methodological toolkit includes qualitative research, mixed-methods designs, and systematic literature reviews. A key area of interest is diabetes in pregnancy, with her PhD thesis examining well-being and diabetes management in women with type 1 diabetes during pregnancy and postpartum.

She is currently the principal investigator of two major studies: the COPE Staff longitudinal national multi-center study (www.snaks.se/cope-staff) and the "What matters to mum?" international cohort study in collaboration with South Africa.

Scientific Contributions & Trends:

Her recent publications span COVID-19’s impact on maternal and neonatal health, including neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants exposed to SARS-CoV-2 antenatally, moral distress among healthcare workers, and the psychosocial effects of pandemic restrictions on birthing partners and midwives. Other key themes include breastfeeding initiatives, quality of maternal care across European countries, and intersectionality in nursing research.

Advising & Grants:

She serves as main supervisor to two PhD students and co-supervisor to three. Her research is supported by national and international collaborations, including the COPE study and IMAgiNE EURO projects, which have received funding from multiple health organizations and WHO initiatives.

Professional Service & Policy Impact:

Lindén has authored a book chapter on transition to parenthood for university students and has been engaged as an expert in sexual, reproductive, and perinatal health by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions.