Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41811818›Full record

ArticlePloS one2026

Successes and challenges of an online based nutrition awareness program in 9-11-year-old children in four Arab countries: The Ajyal Salima digital platform qualitative study.

Carla Habib-Mourad, Carla Maliha, Amira Kassis, Diala Tailfeathers, Marco Bardus, Eman Haji, Lina AlTarazi, Suzan Totah, Nahla Hwalla

Abstract read
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Article in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Carla Habib-MouradDepartment of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1062-8294
Carla MalihaDepartment of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Amira KassisNeat Science, Châtel-Saint-Denis, Fribourg, Switzerland.
Diala TailfeathersDepartment of health and Physical Education, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada.
Marco BardusDepartment of Applied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0707-7196
Eman HajiMinistry of Health, Sanabis, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Lina AlTaraziRoyal Health Awareness Society, Amman, Jordan.
Suzan TotahMinistry of Education, Ramallah, Palestine.
Nahla HwallaDepartment of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionThe rapid expansion of digital technologies has significantly influenced the lives of children and youth, leading many to seek nutrition education through digital platforms. This study aims to assess the usability and acceptability of Ajyal Salima, a nutrition awareness digital platform targeting children aged 9-11, in four Arab countries.

methodsA qualitative study was led across four countries: Lebanon, Bahrain, Palestine, and Jordan. Semi-structured focus groups discussions (FGDs) were held separately with children (21 FGDs; n = 145) and parents (16 FGDs; n = 98), complemented by In Depth Interview (IDIs) with teachers (n = 19) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with program staff (n = 8). All interviews and focus groups lasted approximately 40 minutes. Data was analyzed thematically using NVivo software, resulting in four main themes.

resultsFour major themes emerged: platform's usability, content enjoyment, changes in children's habits and recommendations to improve the platform. Overall, parents and teachers found the digital experience positive and useful and the content appropriate for children, particularly younger age groups. Challenges included registration difficulties, technical problems, internet accessibility, low parental involvement, and difficulties integrating the platform into teachers' schedules. The platform's animations were less effective in sustaining children's attention amid evolving digital standards.

conclusionTo enhance the platform's effectiveness, recommendations include simplifying the registration process, enhancing content interactivity, aligning the platform with school curricula, and equipping teachers with supportive resources. Fostering stronger school-family partnerships and engaging parents through community initiatives may be considered to maximize the platform's potential to promote healthier eating habits and improve nutritional awareness among children and their families, across the region.

Indexed as

Health EducationChildDigital MediaFemaleFocus GroupsHumansInternetMaleMiddle EastParentsQualitative Research

Identifiers

PMID41811818
PMCPMC12978466

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LicenceCC BY
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.