Background
Bachelor in nursing (Norway), Studies in management and organization for health workers (Norway), Bachelor in anthropology (Norway).
On writing the master thesis
I identified my research topic (tuberculosis and treatment adherence) as a result of classes in medical anthropology at the University of Oslo. The lecturer illustrated how important anthropology and qualitative methods is in understanding and relating to major health problems like tuberculosis. He exemplified by referring to TB and treatment adherence and illustrated how valuable in-depth information provided from the patients themselves was in trying to solve this problem. When I started the master study I easily found an adviser since Tuberculosis is one of the major research subjects at the section. I applied several funds for funding of the project, and I received funding from 2 different places; The Norwegian Heart and Lung Association and Ivar Helles Legat. Writing up the master thesis was demanding, but it taught me a lot about doing research!
On the study environment
To study with international students was a great experience! You build competence and learn so much just by participating in such a setting! Every time you discuss a health problem, you learn that people define and relate to it differently due to differences in professionals background, their specific experiences from their country of origin, as well as their cultural and religious background. Consequently, you continuously broaden your own perspectives. Another advantage is that since you have to talk, read and write in English all throughout the study you also improve your English skills a lot!
Lessons learned
The most important thing I learned was how to conduct a research project. I actually felt that I was trained to be a researcher.
The best thing that happened was that I was able to carry out my research in Ethiopia. I brought my kids and my husband and we shared the best experience of our life. I felt extremely privileged being given the opportunity to experience such a wonderful country and such a wonderful people - together with my family.
After graduation
It was challenging to complete the master thesis in time! I gathered too many data. However, at the moment I am doing my PhD, and I was allowed to include the data obtained during the master study. So it was worth the extra time and effort!
Mette Sagbakken has completed her PhD and is now working at the University College of Oslo. She also have a 20% position at the University of Oslo as a lecturer.