Solar Lighting to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution in Rural Uganda

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study evaluates the impact of a solar lighting system on kerosene lamp use, levels of indoor air pollution, and health in women living in rural Uganda. Half of the participants will receive the lighting systems immediately, while the other half will receive them after an 18 month delay.

Detailed Description
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One fifth of the global population relies on kerosene lamps for lighting, yet few studies have focused on kerosene lighting as a source of indoor air pollution. In our preliminary studies performed in Uganda, we show that homes using solar lighting have much lower levels of indoor air pollution compared to homes using kerosene lighting. The primary goal of this study is to determine the extent to which solar lighting will reduce kerosene use and indoor air pollution in rural Uganda, whether this intervention improves lung health, and to identify the role bacteria in our gut have on determining whether or not people will get sick from indoor air pollution.

Official Title
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Solar Lighting Intervention Trial to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution and Improve Adult Respiratory Health in Rural Uganda

Conditions
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Pollution; Exposure, Hypertension, Pollution Related Respiratory Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Solar lighting system


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Women living in Nyakabare Parish, Uganda with no prior history of chronic lung disease Exclusion Criteria: Current active tuberculosis in any family member

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| No Intervention: Control (usual lighting)<br>Participants will continue to use their usual lighting sources. | |
| Experimental: Intervention (solar lighting)<br>Participants will receive an indoor solar lighting system | Other: Solar lighting system<br>* consisting of a solar panel, rechargeable lead acid battery, charge controller, wiring and switches to 4 lighting points fitted with LED bulbs. This system will include a two-year service warranty.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and Black Carbon | Sampling for PM2.5 and Black Carbon over 48 hours will be collected | 48 hour | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Daily use of solar lighting system (hours per day) | A current monitory is installed as part of the solar lighting system that measures the hours per day each light switch is turned on | baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention | 
| Blood pressure | Resting blood pressure | baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention | 
| Forced Expiratory Volume in one Second (FEV1) | Pre- and Post- bronchodilator spirometry | baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention | 
| Heart rate variability | Resting 10 minute heart rate variability | baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention | 
| Stool microbiome | Microbial sequencing of the stool will be performed | baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention | 
| Qualitative interviews | 1:1 qualitative interviews will be performed with participants | Post-intervention | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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household air pollution, fine particulate matter, kerosene