Scholarlink

Background <p>Particulate matter (PM) is a recognized Group 1 carcinogen and is also associated with adverse cardiopulmonary and neurological outcomes. However, community-based strategies to reduce exposure among vulnerable populations remain limited in Korea. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a structured, nurse-delivered educational intervention to improve protective behaviors, reduce indoor PM<sub>2.5</sub>, and enhance pulmonary function among older adults.</p> Methods <p>A cluster non-randomized controlled trial, involving 59 participants (intervention group, <i>n</i> = 30; control group, <i>n</i> = 29; aged ≥ 65 years), was conducted within the Municipal Home Visit Health Management Program in Incheon, South Korea. The intervention group received a standardized education module based on the Health Belief Model, practical training, and text message alerts, whereas the controls received usual care. Outcomes, including awareness, protective behaviors, indoor air quality (continuous PM monitoring), and spirometry parameters, were measured at baseline and at 6 weeks.</p> Results <p>The intervention group showed significant improvements in predicted FEV<sub>1</sub>% (84.6 ± 26.2 to 95.8 ± 23.6, <i>p</i> = 0.008) and FEV<sub>6</sub>% (77.2 ± 23.0 to 88.9 ± 21.2, <i>p</i> = 0.012). Indoor PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations during the final week of monitoring were lower in the intervention group than in controls (11.1 ± 5.7&#xa0;µg/m<sup>3</sup> vs. 19.6 ± 15.8&#xa0;µg/m<sup>3</sup>; <i>p</i> = 0.010), with a significantly lower exceedance rate (1.63 vs. 8.91 events, <i>p</i> = 0.042). Behavioral outcomes improved more in the intervention group, although most differences were not statistically significant.</p> Conclusions <p>In this 6-week pilot trial, a brief community-based educational intervention integrated into routine home-visit nursing services was feasible, well-received, and associated with short-term improvements in indoor air quality and selected pulmonary function indices among older adults. These preliminary findings warrant confirmation in larger and longer trials before scalable participatory education programs can be recommended for sustained reduction of PM<sub>2.5</sub>-related health risks.</p> Trial registration <p>Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) KCT0009917, Registered 8 November 2024.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Pilot study of a community-based PM2.5 educational intervention: impacts on behavior, exposure, and pulmonary function

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月27日

查看全文
  • Hyung Doo Kim,
  • Myung-Sook Park,
  • Woo-Jin Kim,
  • Jiho Lee,
  • Myung Ho Lim,
  • Sumi Chae,
  • Dong-Wook Lee,
  • Hwan-Cheol Kim

摘要

Background

Particulate matter (PM) is a recognized Group 1 carcinogen and is also associated with adverse cardiopulmonary and neurological outcomes. However, community-based strategies to reduce exposure among vulnerable populations remain limited in Korea. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a structured, nurse-delivered educational intervention to improve protective behaviors, reduce indoor PM2.5, and enhance pulmonary function among older adults.

Methods

A cluster non-randomized controlled trial, involving 59 participants (intervention group, n = 30; control group, n = 29; aged ≥ 65 years), was conducted within the Municipal Home Visit Health Management Program in Incheon, South Korea. The intervention group received a standardized education module based on the Health Belief Model, practical training, and text message alerts, whereas the controls received usual care. Outcomes, including awareness, protective behaviors, indoor air quality (continuous PM monitoring), and spirometry parameters, were measured at baseline and at 6 weeks.

Results

The intervention group showed significant improvements in predicted FEV1% (84.6 ± 26.2 to 95.8 ± 23.6, p = 0.008) and FEV6% (77.2 ± 23.0 to 88.9 ± 21.2, p = 0.012). Indoor PM2.5 concentrations during the final week of monitoring were lower in the intervention group than in controls (11.1 ± 5.7 µg/m3 vs. 19.6 ± 15.8 µg/m3; p = 0.010), with a significantly lower exceedance rate (1.63 vs. 8.91 events, p = 0.042). Behavioral outcomes improved more in the intervention group, although most differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

In this 6-week pilot trial, a brief community-based educational intervention integrated into routine home-visit nursing services was feasible, well-received, and associated with short-term improvements in indoor air quality and selected pulmonary function indices among older adults. These preliminary findings warrant confirmation in larger and longer trials before scalable participatory education programs can be recommended for sustained reduction of PM2.5-related health risks.

Trial registration

Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) KCT0009917, Registered 8 November 2024.