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.
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