User Experience and Perceived Usefulness of a Brief Cannabis e-Learning Lesson for Older Adults: Mixed-Methods Evaluation (Preprint)

Older adults are increasingly using cannabis, yet many report difficulty finding clear, balanced, evidence-based information to support informed decision-making. Public-facing e-learning may help address this gap, but evidence is limited regarding how older adults engage with and perceive web-based cannabis education.

This study aimed to evaluate the reach and engagement of a brief cannabis e-learning lesson and assess respondents’’ perceived relevance, understandability, likelihood of recommendation, intended use, and expected benefits.

We conducted a single-group, convergent mixed-methods evaluation using web analytics, lesson completion data, Net Promoter Score ratings, and Information Assessment Method for all survey responses and open-text comments. The Cannabis & Older Adults e-learning was distributed through the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal between July 29 and August 19, 2025. Quantitative data were summarized descriptively and explored by participant characteristics and Net Promoter Score category. Open-text responses were analyzed qualitatively and integrated with quantitative findings using a joint display.

The lesson landing page received 6076 sessions from 5112 respondents; 3724 respondents started the lesson and 1252 completed it. Among completers, 996 completed the Net Promoter Score and 592 completed the feedback survey. Overall, 88.0% rated the lesson as relevant or very relevant, 99.7% reported understanding it well or very well, 95.8% intended to use the information, and 85.6% expected benefit. The Net Promoter Score was 46 among lesson completers and 55 among survey respondents. Qualitative findings suggested that many respondents perceived the lesson as informative, credible, and useful for decision-making, while some respondents raised concerns about tone and perceived balance.

Respondents generally perceived the lesson as relevant, understandable, and useful for future decisions and discussions. Qualitative findings supported these favourable perceptions, while identifying concerns among some respondents regarding tone, perceived balance, and the communication of benefits, risks, and uncertainty.