Clean Air for Asthma and Allergy Programme (CAAP), a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of multicomponent interventions to reduce indoor triggers in childhood asthma.

BACKGROUND

Multicomponent interventions have been reported as effective strategies for improving allergen reduction and asthma control. However, few studies have evaluated the integration of an indoor air quality (IAQ) system and e-health as part of multicomponent interventions.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of multicomponent interventions on house dust mite allergens, indoor particulate matter, and knowledge and trigger reduction behaviors (TRBs) of caregivers.

METHODS

Twelve pediatric asthmatic patients with dust mite sensitization were randomly assigned to either a multicomponent intervention group or a control group. In the multicomponent intervention group, IAQ systems were installed in participants' bedrooms, bedding covers were provided, and asthma education was delivered through the LINE application, while the control group received conventional treatment. House dust mite allergen levels were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique, and particulate matter <2.5 micrometer diameter (PM2.5) concentrations were measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks postenrollment. Questionnaires were used to evaluate TRBs and asthma knowledge among caregivers before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

There were decreased Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen group 1 and Dermatophagoides farinae allergen group 1 levels in the multicomponent intervention group compared to the control group; however, the reduction was not statistically significant. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were significantly lower in the multicomponent intervention group compared to the control group after 4 and 8 weeks ( = 0.005). Statistically significant improvement in overall TRBs ( = 0.04) and a trend in improving asthma knowledge among caregivers were observed in the multicomponent intervention group compared to the control group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance ( = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of an IAQ system and asthma education through the LINE application, as part of multicomponent interventions, resulted in a significant reduction in indoor PM2.5 concentrations and improved TRBs among caregivers.