Measuring Knowledge and Behavior After an Educational Program on Air Pollution as a Health Risk Reduction Strategy

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Since air pollution contains harmful toxicants, it is important for potential exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution to be considered as part of an overall health risk reduction strategy. This is a behavioral intervention to assess the effectiveness on an air quality education program in reducing exposure to air pollution and negative health effects. Trial participants will complete a pre-test and home air quality assessment tool. Then, they will participate in an educational module on air quality learn about suggestions to take to avoid exposure and complete a spot test. One month after the educational intervention, the participants will be contacted and asked qualitative questions to assess study effectiveness.

Detailed Description
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Potential exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution must be considered as part of an overall health risk reduction strategy. Toxicants identified in outdoor air pollution, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and photochemical ozone cause a systemic inflammatory response to the heart and lungs after exposure. Inside the home, health issues from exposure to carbon monoxide (CO), PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) are intensified when the home is sealed with the windows and doors closed. This exploratory study seeks to promote health by teaching participants about strategies to reduce risks related to indoor and outdoor effects of air pollution. Data collection will consist of an electronic demographic data collection form, home air quality assessment, pre-test and post-test around an educational program and follow-up interview one month after the educational program. Avoidance of air pollution as a health risk reduction method is identified in the literature, however, there is limited research addressing the influence of education on avoidance of environmental toxins as a health risk reduction strategy. Therefore this study will provide a foundation for developing broader educational and behavioral initiatives to improve health outcomes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all aspects of this study will be completed either on-line via the Internet or by telephone.

Official Title
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Measuring Knowledge and Behavior After an Educational Program on Air Pollution as a Health Risk Reduction Strategy

Conditions
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Air Pollution, Risk Reduction Behaviors

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Educational Program on Air Pollution as a Health Risk Reduction Strategy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Over the age of 18, speak and read English, have access to a computer or smart phone with Internet access. Exclusion Criteria: Anyone not meeting Inclusion Criteria.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

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: Prevention
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Education<br>Air pollution educational module exposure. | Behavioral: Educational Program on Air Pollution as a Health Risk Reduction Strategy<br>* A power point presentation about the health impact of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on health. Pm2.5 is found outdoors and indoors. Information will be reviewed about steps to take for the participants to locate the information using a smart phone and steps to take to decrease exposure to prevent illness such as heart disease or strokes.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Assessment of Understanding of Educational Intervention | Participants will be evaluated to determine if they understand the impact of air pollution on health, know how to interpret air quality index information, and how to reduce indoor air pollution. | At completion of intervention (one day) | 
| Implementation of Learned Behaviors During Educational Intervention | Participants will be assessed for long term understanding of educational intervention and how they have altered their behavior. | One month |