Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Sep 17, 2025
Date Accepted: Mar 18, 2026
A formative evaluation of parental perceptions related to acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and reported use of an e-learning resource targeting diet in the first 1000 days: A Survey Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
In October 2022, the Nutrition Now (NN) e-learning resource was implemented within Maternal and Child Healthcare centres and Early Education and Care (ECEC) centres of a southern Norwegian municipality. The e-learning resource targets expectant parents, parents of 0-2-year-olds, and ECEC staff, aiming to promote healthy dietary behaviours during the first 1,000 days of life.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and use of the NN e-learning resource among parents.
Methods:
From October 2022 to May 2023, expecting parents and parents of children aged 0-2-years were recruited from two 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 analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results:
Of the 179 participants in the NN study intervention group, 48 completed the web-based follow-up questionnaire administered 7 months after enrolment. The e-learning resource was considered acceptable, appropriate, and feasible and 4 in 5 reported having visited the website at least ‘a bit’. However, its use was lower than anticipated: less than half of the participants answering the web-based follow-up questionnaire reported having watched the theme films (42%), the recipe films (35%), or making food using recipes provided in the e-learning resource (42%).
Conclusions:
The NN e-learning resource was well-rated for acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility, but saw limited engagement. These findings suggest that while the e-learning resource holds promise, future efforts should focus on identifying how to maximise its potential adoption and impact to promote healthy dietary behaviours during the first 1,000 days of life. Clinical Trial: The Nutrition Now study is registered in the ISRCTN registry with ID ISRCTN10694967, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10694967. (Registration date: 19-06-2022).
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