Promoting risk reduction among young adults with asthma during wildfire smoke: A feasibility study

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.

Three-arm, 8-week randomized clinical trial.

Sixty-seven young adults with asthma were enrolled.

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.

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.

Most participants agreed the app and spirometer were usable and their privacy and confidentiality were maintained. No adverse events were reported.

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.