Digit Health. 2026 Mar 9;12:20552076261431595. doi: 10.1177/20552076261431595. eCollection 2026 Jan-Dec.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study examined early care and education (ECE) providers' routine and pandemic-related use of digital technology for nutrition training and explored their attitudes and perceptions toward digital technology using the Technology Acceptance Model as a guiding framework to inform future training delivery.
METHODS: We employed a convergent mixed-methods design consisting of a national survey and semi-structured qualitative interviews with licensed ECE providers. Inclusion criteria were licensed/registered ECE providers, English-speaking, age ≥18, and currently caring for children for pay. Exclusion criteria included unlicensed providers and inactive programs. Survey data was analyzed using chi-square tests to examine differences by variable type and logistic regressions to examine predictors of digital technology use. Qualitative analysis underwent thematic analysis using a blended deductive/inductive approach guided by the Braun and Clarke multi-step method. Integrated analyses were conducted and shown through a joint display to contextualize the findings.
RESULTS: Most ECE providers (97.9%) had access to high-speed internet, and 95.1% used electronic devices for work-related purposes. Approximately 83.2% had received nutrition training since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with 53.2% accessing training via virtual platforms. ECE providers enrolled in the Child and Adult Care Food Program were more likely to receive nutrition training digitally than those not enrolled (OR = 24.0, p < .001). As ECE providers' age increases, the odds of receiving training digitally decreased (OR = 0.52, p = .043). Providers reported that digital training improved accessibility and flexibility. However, the study also identified challenges such as reduced social connectedness, technical difficulties, and limited knowledge or awareness of digital nutrition training programming.
CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that digital technology enhances access to nutrition training for ECE providers, yet barriers remain. Future efforts should focus on expanding digital training programming, improving technological support, and balancing digital and in-person training to optimize hands-on learning and social connectedness.
PMID:41815102 | PMC:PMC12972561 | DOI:10.1177/20552076261431595