Pilot Test of an Online ASA24 Training With EFNEP Educators

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and usability of an online training to prepare Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) educators to collect 24-hr dietary recalls using the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24). Fifty-eight educators in 17 states were recruited to take the training; 29 completed the online training, assisted two individuals in completing a 24-hr recall using ASA24, and completed a survey about their experiences. The sample included 26 respondents. The majority (n = 16; 61.5%) of the sample was EFNEP educators with college education. The majority of the respondents indicated that they found the readings and videos acceptable for learning (n = 21; 80.7%). Half of the participants (n = 13) felt prepared to collect data using ASA24. The majority (n = 22; 84.6%) had positive feedback about the training content. The training may be acceptable for preparing EFNEP educators with at least some college education to collect 24-hr recalls using ASA24. Because of potential bias due to self-selection and nonresponse, the training has been revised and is now intended to be used to train trainers of EFNEP paraprofessionals.