Educational Effects of Electronic Documents and Videos on Parents' Responses to Acute Illness in Young Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim This study compared changes associated with electronic document‐based and video‐based education for parents responding to acute illness in young children, focusing on self‐reported knowledge, anxiety, and satisfaction. Methods A randomized controlled trial with pre‐ and post‐intervention measurements was conducted among 140 adults in Japan who self‐reported raising a child under 3 years of age and having experienced their child's acute illness. Participants were assigned to an electronic document group or a video group ( n = 70 each). Self‐reported knowledge was assessed using a researcher‐developed questionnaire, and anxiety was measured using the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory. Pre–post changes and between‐group differences in change scores were examined. Results Total self‐reported knowledge scores increased significantly in both groups ( p < 0.01), with no significant between‐group difference. The video group showed significant improvements in items related to symptoms requiring attention at home and information sources, whereas the electronic document group improved in items related to symptoms requiring medical consultation and emergency calls. State and trait anxiety did not change significantly in either group. Satisfaction was high in both groups. Conclusions Both educational formats may support parents' learning about responses to acute illness in young children, although appropriate formats may differ according to the educational content. Information provision alone may have limited effects on anxiety; therefore, future parent education should incorporate interactive and reassurance‐focused approaches.