Unrestricted parental smoking habits are lifestyle risk behaviors associated with chronic, systemic inflammation, which promotes the pathogenesis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke in early life contributes to the development of specific NCDs in children, i.e. asthma. Early preventive measures to improve lifestyle behavior in parents are therefore of utmost importance. The aim of ELIPSE-II is to assess whether an eHealth application intervention for parents is feasible and efficacious in lowering levels of urinary cotinine as a measure of second-hand smoke exposure in their children .
ELIPSE-II represents a single-blind randomized controlled parallel-group clinical trial. In total, 160 children, \<6 years of age with exposure to second-hand smoke at home will be included. Children will be recruited at the children's university hospital and in private practices in Bern, and randomly (1:1) assigned to a control and intervention group. All participants receive treatment-as-usual (TAU), parents of participants in the intervention group additionally receive a smartphone application (lifestyle app) for 20 weeks. The app aims to promote healthy behavior through cognitive-behavioral impact factors (i.e., psychoeducation, goal setting), that are applied by a psychologist via structured feedback. Single-blinded assessments will be conducted at baseline, following the intervention period of 20 weeks, and at 6-month follow-up after the end of the intervention. The primary endpoint is reduction of exposure to second-hand smoke exposure assessed by urinary levels of cotinine. Secondary endpoints in ELIPSE-II include changes in parental smoking habits and effects of the intervention on infants' respiratory health. A further endpoint is acceptance and usability of the app.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
160
The modules of the Life-Style app are introduced and unlocked sequentially during the first weeks of the intervention phase. Afterwards the modules are fully available. Duration and frequency of app-use is not limited. The parents are accompanied by a coach through the app, who gives regular structured feedback and individual inputs. The coach has access to all data collected in the app.
The parents get a flyer with information on second-hand smoke exposure and references to smoking cessation programs, and do not have an active app during the main intervention period.
Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
Bern, Switzerland
RECRUITINGChange from baseline in urinary levels of cotinine in children
Change in exposure to second-hand smoke exposure assessed by urinary levels of cotinine
Time frame: At 22 weeks after baseline (Post intervention)
Change from baseline in urinary levels of cotinine in children
Change in exposure to second-hand smoke exposure assessed by urinary levels of cotinine
Time frame: At 48 weeks after baseline (Follow-Up)
Change from baseline in protective measures taken by parents to protect children from second-hand smoke exposure
Parents are asked (using a questionnaire) about the measures taken to protect children from second-hand smoke exposure at baseline, during the intervention, postintervention and follow-up. Protective measures assessed include washing hands, smoking outside (including not smoking in the car), changing clothes after smoking). The questionnaire consists of five items (protective measures) with a score ranging from 1 to 5. Score 5 means a better result.
Time frame: During intervention (week 2-22), post intervention (week 22-23) and follow-up (week 48-49)
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