Online Course Increases Nutrition Professionals' Knowledge, Skills, and Self-Efficacy in Using an Ecological Approach to Prevent Childhood Obesity

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of an online continuing education course on the knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy of nutrition professionals to use an ecological approach to prevent childhood obesity.DesignQuasi-experimental design using intervention and delayed intervention comparison groups with pre/post-course assessments.SettingOnline continuing education course.ParticipantsNutrition and health professionals in an online course (n = 105) and a delayed intervention comparison group (n = 37).InterventionA 6-week, facilitated online course titled, Preventing Childhood Obesity: An Ecological Approach.Main Outcome MeasuresChanges in knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in using an ecological approach to address childhood obesity.AnalysisPaired and independent sample t tests, factor analysis, regression analysis.ResultsIn contrast to a comparison group, nutrition and health professionals who participated in a 6-week online course had statistically significant increases (P < .01) in their knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy related to using an ecological approach to prevent childhood obesity.Conclusions and ImplicationsA facilitated online course can be effective at increasing the knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy of community-based nutrition and health professionals in using an ecological approach to prevent childhood obesity in their communities.