Promoting risk reduction among young adults with asthma during wildfire smoke: A feasibility study

Abstract

Objective(s): This study explored the feasibility, acceptability, preliminary impact, and functionality of two risk reduction mobile application (app) interventions on asthma outcomes as compared to a control arm during wildfire season.

Design: Three-arm, 8-week randomized clinical trial.

Sample: Sixty-seven young adults with asthma were enrolled.

Measurements: The Asthma Control Test, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 ) and the System Usability Scale were measured at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks. The Research Attitude Scale was administered at 8 weeks. Twenty participants from the two intervention arms completed an optional survey and six were interviewed after completing the study.

Intervention: Both intervention arms could access Smoke Sense Urbanova, an app that supports reducing risks from breathing wildfire smoke. The Smoke Sense Urbanova Plus arm also monitored their daily FEV1 , received air quality notifications, and accessed preventive tips and a message board.

Results: Most participants agreed the app and spirometer were usable and their privacy and confidentiality were maintained. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: Participant-identified recommendations will support intervention refinement and testing. This research supports asthma self-management tools that public health nurses and community health workers can recommend for at-risk populations.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04724733.

Keywords: asthma; clinical trial; mobile applications; risk reduction behavior; wildfires; young adult.

© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Figures

FIGURE 1

Mobile application features per study group

FIGURE 2

Participant flow diagram

FIGURE 3

Percent of days during participants’ exposure period at, or above, daily PM2.5 thresholds