Reviewing the impact of indoor air quality management and asthma education on asthmatic children's health outcomes – A pilot study

Abstract

Indoor air quality (IAQ) impacts asthmatic children's health. Previous research suggests that individual interventions such as home-based education and IAQ management positively impact health outcomes for asthma and other respiratory diseases. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the combination of homebased education and IAQ management with an air purifier as a single intervention, rather than individual interventions, to improve health outcomes of asthmatic children. This study was conducted between June and November 2019 in McAllen, Texas. Foobot devices were used to monitor the temperature, relative humidity, particulate matter 2.5μm (PM2.5), and total Volatile Organic Compounds (tVOC) in the bedroom, kitchen, and living room of 13 homes. The monitoring was carried into phases of equal length of pre- and post-intervention. Families received asthma education together with recommendations on how to manage and improve IAQ. The children's health outcomes were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study using certified surveys. Comparison of the PM2.5 and tVOC levels and the scores for health outcomes were made between pre-and post-intervention. The results showed that PM2.5 and tVOC levels reduced significantly after intervention. The health outcomes were improved in asthmatic children. However, only the difference in the health-related quality of life was statistically significant. The results cannot be generalised; however, they provide evidence of the combined intervention's impact, including asthma education and IAQ management, with an air purifier to improve asthmatic children's health outcomes.