Difference between Utilization of Print and Online Versions of Dietary Education Materials for Preschoolers’ ​Families

• Published in: The Japanese Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics Vol. 80; no. 4; pp. 265 - 272
• Main Authors: Kitamura, Mari, Nakanishi, Hiroko, Horiuchi, Rie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Japanese Society of Nutrition and Dietetics 01.08.2022
• Subjects: dietary education materials; evaluation; family; online version; preschool; print version
• ISSN: 0021-5147; 1883-7921
• DOI: 10.5264/eiyogakuzashi.80.265

Objective: This study aims to evaluate how the provision of dietary materials to a preschool leads to its browsing and utilization using a survey.Methods: Participants included 74 preschoolers' families. Original dietary education materials introducing "nutrients contained," "preservation methods," "how to recognize freshness," and "recipes" for six vegetable types were distributed in online and print versions. The intervention lasted for six weeks. Before administering the survey, a handout comprising a QR code, a password, and other information necessary to access the materials on the website was distributed and the participants were asked to view it. During the first three weeks, the materials' online version was uploaded on the original website once a week (three times in total). From weeks four to six, printed materials were distributed to the preschool participants once a week (three times in total). After the intervention period, self-administered questionnaires about the materials' utilization for preschoolers' families were distributed and collected.Results: The ratio between browsing the materials was 93.7% and 37.5% in the print and online versions, respectively. There was a significant difference between the theoretical values of the print and online versions. The materials' most positive aspect was "ease of access" for both versions. Many participants found the print version to be comparatively "easy to use."Conclusions: While creating dietary education materials for preschoolers' families, it was observed that the rate of browsing of materials increased if the print version's advantages were provided.