Date on Paper
7-2020
Document Type
Doctoral Paper
Degree Name
D.N.P.
Department
Nursing
Committee Chair
Huntington-Moskos, Luz
Committee Member
Robertson, Sara
Author's Keywords
indoor air quality; caregiver; home environmental health; allergen triggers; mold; radon
Abstract
Background: Exposure to indoor air pollutants increases the risk for poor health outcomes and health disparities among vulnerable groups such as children. The purpose of this evidence-based project was to implement an indoor air quality program that would: 1) improve caregiver awareness of indoor and outdoor environmental health exposures and 2) increase the intention to reduce exposures to indoor household pollutants. The target population included caregivers of preschool children, ages 3 to 5 years, who currently attend the Ohio Valley Education Cooperative. Methods: This project used a pre and post test study design that included two, virtual-learning modules that reviewed content and discuss action steps for the following: 1) testing for radon and carbon monoxide, 2) reducing allergen triggers, 3) preventing moisture and mold in the home, and 4) controlling both secondhand smoke and pesticide exposure. Results: Data analysis included descriptive statistics related to age, gender, and housing status. The Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test (WSRT) was used as a nonparametric test to determine any significant difference between the pre and post test findings. In session one, a statistically significant difference was found with higher post test scores for the following categories related to awareness: overall indoor air quality, mold, and radon. Statistical significance was found for the following categories related to caregiver intention: overall indoor air quality, mold, radon, and carbon monoxide. In session two, statistical significance was found for the following categories related to awareness: overall indoor air quality, mold, radon, secondhand smoke, and pesticide exposure. Statistical significance was found for the following categories related to caregiver intention: overall indoor air quality, mold, radon, carbon monoxide, and pesticide exposure. Discussion: Improving awareness of factors that influence indoor air and intention of caregivers to implement action steps to reduce exposure to pollutants requires a multifaceted strategy that addresses the home environment and caregiver involvement.
Recommended Citation
Kuner, Sarah, "Breathing easier: indoor air quality education program." (2020). Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers. Paper 81.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/dnp/81
