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NCT Number: NCT03351504

Solar Lighting to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution in Rural Uganda

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Pollution; Exposure Cardiovascular Diseases Hypertension Pollution Related Respiratory Disorder Vascular Diseases

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda

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About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Women living in Nyakabare Parish, Uganda with no prior history of chronic lung disease

Exclusion criteria

  • Current active tuberculosis in any family member

Treatment and study plan

Solar lighting system

Other

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and Black Carbon

    Time frame: 48 hour

    Sampling for PM2.5 and Black Carbon over 48 hours will be collected

Secondary outcomes

  1. Daily use of solar lighting system (hours per day)

    Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention

    A current monitory is installed as part of the solar lighting system that measures the hours per day each light switch is turned on

  2. Blood pressure

    Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention

    Resting blood pressure

  3. Forced Expiratory Volume in one Second (FEV1)

    Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention

    Pre- and Post- bronchodilator spirometry

  4. Heart rate variability

    Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention

    Resting 10 minute heart rate variability

  5. Stool microbiome

    Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the intervention

    Microbial sequencing of the stool will be performed

  6. Qualitative interviews

    Time frame: Post-intervention

    1:1 qualitative interviews will be performed with participants

  7. Respiratory symptoms

    Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after intervention

    Presence/absence of respiratory symptoms based on the American Thoracic Society Respiratory Disease questionnaire

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Massachusetts General Hospital

Other

Collaborators

  • Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)
  • Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Registry information

Official study title

Solar Lighting Intervention Trial to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution and Improve Adult Respiratory Health in Rural Uganda

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2019
Study completion
2020
First posted
Nov 22, 2017
Registry last updated
Feb 7, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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