Transition to parenthood: parents’ experiences of an extended home visiting programme in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Sweden

Background Early childhood represents a critical period for promoting health equity, particularly for families facing social and economic disadvantage. In Sweden, extended home visiting programmes have been introduced to strengthen early preventive support for first-time parents in disadvantaged areas. This study explored how parents experienced such a programme in Gothenburg, Sweden, with attention to trust-building, accessibility, and perceived support. Methods A qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 parents from 16 families who had participated in the Rinkeby Extended Home Visiting programme. Participants were strategically selected to capture variation in gender, family structure, and migration background. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results One overarching theme – Transition to parenthood – encompassed three main themes: navigating early parenthood , receiving reassurance and support in the parental role , and building trust through relationships with professionals . Parents described early parenthood as emotionally intense and, in some cases, compounded by migration-related stress and social isolation. Home-based visits were experienced as facilitating reassurance, practical guidance, and relational continuity. The dual-professional model was perceived as providing complementary expertise. While experiences were largely described as supportive, trust emerged as a relational process characterised by continuity and respect. Conclusions Extended home visiting was experienced by participating parents as meaningful and supportive within contexts of social disadvantage. The programme’s relational and interprofessional approach appeared to facilitate trust and parental confidence. These findings highlight how equity-oriented, home-based interventions may be experienced in diverse urban settings, while underscoring the importance of contextual and relational dynamics in shaping such experiences.