Evaluation of a Novel Indoor Air Pollution Intervention Among Older Adults
University of Montana
Summary
Particulate matter air pollution is the leading environmental risk factor of cardiovascular disease and is increasing in the Western United States due to more frequent and severe wildfires. Older adults are particularly susceptible to both air pollution exposures and the development of cardiovascular disease, and the older adult population in the United States is rapidly growing. Given the converging threats of worsening air quality and an aging population, this clinical trial will evaluate a novel, multifaceted indoor air quality intervention to improve cardiovascular health outcomes among older adults in the wildfire-impacted state of Montana.
Description
Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is the leading risk factor of global disease burden and the largest environmental risk factor for premature death and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Older adults are particularly susceptible to air pollution exposures and the development of CVD as they often have underlying health conditions. PM levels are rising in the Western United States (US) as wildfires have increased, with up to 50% of fine PM (PM2.5; particles \<2.5 µm in diameter) in some Western regions now attributed to wildfires. Recent research indicates there is often a substantial increase in…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 55–79 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * 55-79 years of age one primary residence (5+ days per week) * have an electronic device, email address, and reliable internet at home for survey submission Exclusion Criteria: * current smoking of any kind or living in a household with someone who currently smokes * current use of a portable air cleaner unit at home * plans to move in the next year * previous physician-diagnosed cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease \[myocardial infarction\], stroke, or heart failure)
Interventions
- BehavioralAir Improvement and Real-time Monitoring for Wellness through Interactive Strategies and Education (AIRWISE)
The AIRWISE intervention consists of a 3-pronged approach grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM) to improve residential indoor air quality through education, equipment, and behavioral cues. To reinforce cues to action, AIRWISE uses alerts from air quality sensors, prompting timely behavioral responses. Specifically, indoor and outdoor air quality alerts act as behavioral cues to promote active engagement and reference a decision matrix with specific recommendations based indoor and outdoor air quality. Recommendations on the decision matrix include simple strategies to reduce air pollution exposures, including increasing use and fan speed of portable air cleaners, opening or closing windows to change ventilation, and changing activities such as physical activity, cooking, and cleaning. This integrated approach promotes sustained behavior change by aligning with all key HBM constructs.
- OtherPortable Air Cleaner (PAC) Control
Participants will use two PACs in their home according to manufacturer recommendations. PAC Control group participants will not receive further education on air quality or recommendations on PAC use, nor will they receive additional equipment or outdoor AQI alerts. Control participants will use and maintain the PACs at their own discretion.
Location
- University of MontanaMissoula, Montana