Air Conditioning for Heat Stress
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this stepped wedge trial is to assess the practical effects of air conditioners on hot weather impacts among older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are:
How does the presence of an air conditioning unit affect heat stress, heat strain, mental health, and healthcare utilization among older adults who did not previously have access to air conditioning?
How, and in what conditioners, do older adults use air conditioning once it is installed in their home?
Researchers will compare participants in arms with (A) and without (B) air conditioning units in the first summer season; this will allow them to assess the effect of air conditioners. In the second summer season, both arms will have air conditioning units, but those in the year two distribution arm (B) will receive an electricity subsidy, while those in the year one AC distribution arm (A) will not, allowing researchers to assess the effect of an electricity subsidy.
Participants will be randomized to receive an air conditioner and financial support for electricity costs in either the first summer season or the second summer season of the study.
* Heat stress, heat strain, mental health, and healthcare utilization will be assessed via participant survey.
* Air conditioner utilization will be assessed via continuous load monitoring devices.
* Indoor air temperature will be assessed via continuous data loggers.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Gary Adamkiewicz Associate Professor of Environmental Health and Exposure Disp., PhD, MPH, MS
Principal Investigator
Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for older adults aged 55-95 living in specific areas of MA without home air conditioning. They must have chronic conditions like heart disease, lung disease, neurological disorders, mental health issues, or a recent hospitalization.Inclusion Criteria
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Air Conditioner
- Electricity subsidy
Trial Overview
The study tests if air conditioners and electricity subsidies can reduce heat-related health problems in older adults. Participants are randomly chosen to get these benefits either in the first or second summer season to compare effects.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Year 1: Participants receive a window AC unit and a financial subsidy for electricity. Year 2: Participants continue to have their AC unit, but do not receive a financial subsidy for electricity.
Year 1: No intervention. Year 2: Participants receive an AC unit along with a financial subsidy for electricity.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)
Lead Sponsor
Fogarty International Center of the National Institute of Health
Collaborator
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.