This study evaluates the impact of a solar lighting system on kerosene lamp use, levels of indoor air pollution, and health in women living in rural Uganda. Half of the participants will receive the lighting systems immediately, while the other half will receive them after an 18 month delay.
One fifth of the global population relies on kerosene lamps for lighting, yet few studies have focused on kerosene lighting as a source of indoor air pollution. In our preliminary studies performed in Uganda, we show that homes using solar lighting have much lower levels of indoor air pollution compared to homes using kerosene lighting. The primary goal of this study is to determine the extent to which solar lighting will reduce kerosene use and indoor air pollution in rural Uganda, whether this intervention improves lung health, and to identify the role bacteria in our gut have on determining whether or not people will get sick from indoor air pollution.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
80
consisting of a solar panel, rechargeable lead acid battery, charge controller, wiring and switches to 4 lighting points fitted with LED bulbs. This system will include a two-year service warranty.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Mbarara, Uganda
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and Black Carbon
Sampling for PM2.5 and Black Carbon over 48 hours will be collected
Time frame: 48 hour
Daily use of solar lighting system (hours per day)
A current monitory is installed as part of the solar lighting system that measures the hours per day each light switch is turned on
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention
Blood pressure
Resting blood pressure
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention
Forced Expiratory Volume in one Second (FEV1)
Pre- and Post- bronchodilator spirometry
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention
Heart rate variability
Resting 10 minute heart rate variability
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention
Stool microbiome
Microbial sequencing of the stool will be performed
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention
Qualitative interviews
1:1 qualitative interviews will be performed with participants
Time frame: Post-intervention
Respiratory symptoms
Presence/absence of respiratory symptoms based on the American Thoracic Society Respiratory Disease questionnaire
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Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after intervention