Developing and pre-testing of nutrition cartoon video to promote healthy eating among hearing and deaf and mute children

Introduction: A six-minute nutrition cartoon video “The Magical Pinggang Pinoy in Nutrilandia” was developed and pre-tested to encourage hearing and deaf and mute children to eat a variety of foods by following the Pinggang Pinoy® (Healthy Plate). This study described the development process of the nutrition cartoon video and explored the participants’ acceptance towards it. Methods: The video underwent two levels of pre-testing to ensure comprehensibility, attractiveness, acceptability, and self-involvement. The first level was conducted among three DOST-FNRI experts, while the second level was among six deaf-mute school teachers and 30 mothers/ caregivers of 6-9 years old hearing children. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire. Open-ended questions allowed participants to express themselves freely on the given subjects. Data analysis used thematic analysis. Results: The video conveyed clear information on the Pinggang Pinoy®, and the inclusion of animation, subtitles, visuals, and voice-over made the video easier to understand. Participants stated that the message of the video was directed to children, teens, adults, malnourished people, and everyone in general. Pre-testing the nutrition cartoon video before final production identified terminologies and concepts that participants found unfamiliar, confusing and unacceptable; offered suggestions for improvement and made pre-tested video appropriate for hearing and deaf-mute children. Conclusion: Overall, the participants had positive perceptions on the nutrition cartoon video. The video can be used in nutrition education classes among hearing and deaf and mute children, and serves as a tool to measure children’s nutrition knowledge on healthy eating.