Housing and Environment Improvements for Lung and Chronic Diseases

(HEALTHe Trial)

Overseen By Joy R Ledvina, Program Director, MBA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Non-English speakers, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 18

460 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Housing Improvements, Indoor Air Purification, Neighborhood Improvements for lung and chronic diseases?

Research shows that improving indoor air quality with air cleaners can help people with chronic lung conditions like COPD. Additionally, combining home repairs with health education has been promising in improving respiratory health for low-income families. Neighborhood-level housing interventions also contribute to better overall health by reducing overcrowding and poverty. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is improving housing and environment generally safe for humans?

Improving housing and environment is generally safe and can reduce health hazards like asthma triggers, injury risks, and exposure to harmful substances such as lead and mold, making homes healthier and safer for residents. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

How does the treatment of housing and environment improvements differ from other treatments for lung and chronic diseases?

This treatment is unique because it focuses on improving living conditions, such as housing quality and indoor air, to reduce exposure to triggers that worsen lung and chronic diseases, rather than relying solely on medication or education. It addresses the root causes of health issues by making environmental changes, which can lead to better health outcomes and quality of life. ^{2 6 10 11 12}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This project will compare the health effects of public housing renovation, neighborhood built and social environment improvements, and indoor air purification, alone and in combination, as well as the cost effectiveness of each approach. STUDY 1: The study will assess the effects of public housing and neighborhood environment (built and social) improvements on health-related behaviors, psychosocial and physiologic stress, and self-reported and physiological markers of lung health and chronic disease. STUDY 2: The study will determine whether indoor air purification can positively impact lung health in public housing sites not undergoing housing renovation, comparing a site near industrial pollution vs one less contaminated.

Research Team

Gabriela R Oates, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking adults aged 18 and older who live in one of four specified public housing sites in Birmingham, Alabama. It's not open to those under 18, non-English speakers, or residents outside these locations.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive interventions such as public housing renovation, neighborhood improvements, and/or indoor air purification

12 months

Baseline, 6 months, 12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in health-related behaviors, stress, and lung health

12 months

12 months, 24 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Housing Improvements
• Indoor Air Purification
• Neighborhood Improvements

Trial Overview The study examines the health impact of renovating public housing and improving neighborhood environments versus using indoor air purifiers. It looks at behavior changes, stress levels, and lung/chronic disease markers to see which approach is more cost-effective.

Participant Groups

Group I: Elyton Village Community Active Control 2 Interventions

Participants will receive improved neighborhood environment (built and social) and indoor air purification.

Group II: Southtown Court Community Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive new public housing.

Group III: Smithfield Court Community Active Control 2 Interventions

Participants will receive new public housing and improved neighborhood environment (built and social).

Group IV: Collegeville Community Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive indoor air purification.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,677

Recruited

2,458,000+

National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)

Collaborator

Trials

623

Recruited

10,400,000+

Findings from Research

In a 6-month study involving 116 former smokers with COPD, 76.1% of participants adhered to using portable air cleaners at least 80% of the time, which could potentially improve their respiratory health by reducing indoor pollutants.

Factors such as higher household income and using electric heating were linked to better adherence, while lower quality of life and recent exacerbations were associated with lower adherence, indicating that socioeconomic and health status play crucial roles in the effectiveness of air cleaner interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patterns and Predictors of Air Cleaner Adherence Among Adults with COPD. Lorizio, W., Woo, H., McCormack, MC., et al.[2022]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patterns and Predictors of Air Cleaner Adherence Among Adults with COPD. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Federal Weatherization and Health Education Team up: Process Evaluation of a New Strategy to Improve Health Equity for People With Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. [2020]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Housing interventions at the neighborhood level and health: a review of the evidence. [2010]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Breathe easy at home: a web-based referral system linking clinical sites with housing code enforcement for patients with asthma. [2014]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An examination of interventions to reduce respiratory health and injury hazards in homes of low-income families. [2008]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Policy Approaches to Improving Housing and Health. [2018]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Oklahoma Healthy Homes initiative. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting health and advancing development through improved housing in low-income settings. [2021]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Housing and health--current issues and implications for research and programs. [2022]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Review of the Impact of Housing Quality on Inequalities in Health and Well-Being. [2023]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of energy retrofits on pediatric asthma exacerbation in a Boston multi-family housing complex: a systems science approach. [2021]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home is Where the Triggers Are: Increasing Asthma Control by Improving the Home Environment. [2022]