A Formative Evaluation of Parental Perceptions Related to Acceptability, Appropriateness, Feasibility, and Reported...

In October 2022, the Nutrition Now (NN) e-learning resource was implemented within Maternal and Child Healthcare centers and Early Childhood Education and Care centers of a southern Norwegian municipality. The e-learning resource targets expectant parents, parents of children aged 0-2 years, and Early Childhood Education and Care staff, aiming to promote healthy dietary behaviors during the first 1000 days of life.

This study aimed to explore parental perceptions related to the acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and reported use of the NN e-learning resource among parents.

From October 2022 to May 2023, expecting parents and parents of children aged 0-2 years were recruited from 2 Norwegian municipalities, one intervention group receiving access to the NN e-learning resource, and one control. Participants in the intervention group received a web-based follow-up questionnaire 7 months after gaining access to the NN e-learning resource. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Of the 179 participants in the NN study intervention group, 48 completed the web-based follow-up questionnaire administered 7 months after enrollment. Parents rated the e-learning resource positively on items assessing whether they liked and appreciated the resource, perceived it as an appropriate source of information, and found it doable and easy to use. Most respondents reported visiting the resource (38/48, 79%), although only 21% (10/48) reported frequent visits. Less than half of the participants answering the web-based follow-up questionnaire reported having watched the theme films (20/48, 42%), the recipe films (17/48, 35%), or making food using recipes provided in the e-learning resource (20/48, 42%).

Parents rated the NN e-learning resource positively but reported limited use. These findings point to the need for strategies that enhance engagement with self-guided digital interventions among expectant parents and parents of young children. Future efforts should focus on identifying how to maximize potential adoption of the e-learning resource and evaluate its impact to promote healthy dietary behaviors during the first 1000 days of life.