Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Jun 6, 2022
Date Accepted: Jun 24, 2022
Utilizing Real-time Technology to Assess the Impact of Home Environmental Exposures on Asthma Symptoms: Protocol for Observational Pilot Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
It is estimated that more than 60% of adults with asthma have uncontrolled symptoms and this represents a substantial health and economic impact. The effects of the home environment and exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulates on adults with asthma remain unknown. In addition, methods currently used to assess the home environment do not capture real-time data on potentially modifiable environmental exposures nor their effect on asthma symptoms.
Objective:
The aims of this study are to: 1) determine the feasibility and usability of: (a) ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to assess self-report residential environmental exposures and asthma symptoms, (b) home monitoring of objective environmental exposures (total VOCs), particulates [PM2.5]), and lung function (home spirometry); 2a) assess the frequency and level of residential environmental exposures (e.g., disinfectants/cleaners, second-hand smoke) via (a) self-reported data, and (b) home monitoring objective measures, 2b) assess the level of asthma control as indicated by self-reported asthma symptoms and lung function; and 3) explore associations of self-reported and objective measures of residential environmental exposures with self-reported and objective measures of asthma control.
Methods:
We will recruit 50 adults with asthma who completed our online COVID-19 and asthma survey, indicated willingness to be contacted for future studies, reported high use of disinfectant/cleaning products, and have not-well controlled asthma. Participants will receive an indoor air quality monitor and a home spirometer to measure VOCs, PM2.5, and FEV1% respectively. EMA data will be collected using a personal smartphone and EMA software platform. Participants’ will be sent scheduled and random EMA notifications to assess asthma symptoms, environmental exposures, lung function, and mitigation strategies. After the 14-day data collection period, participants will respond to survey items related to acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility.
Results:
The study was funded in March 2021. We have pilot tested our procedures and begun recruitment. The study is ongoing.
Conclusions:
Findings from this feasibility study will support a powered study to address the impact of home environmental exposures on asthma symptoms and develop tailored, home-based asthma interventions that are responsive to the changing home environment and impact home routines. Clinical Trial: Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT05224076
Citation
Per the author's request the PDF is not available.
Copyright
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