Using behavioral nudges to help households reduce indoor air pollution
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN17357415 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17357415 |
| Sponsors | Harbin Institute of Technology, University of Birmingham, Nanjing Tech University |
| Funder | National Natural Science Foundation of China |
- Submission date
- 16/04/2026
- Registration date
- 17/04/2026
- Last edited
- 16/04/2026
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Overall study status
- Ongoing
- Condition category
- Other
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Indoor air pollution is a common problem in many homes. It can come from everyday activities such as cooking and heating. Breathing polluted indoor air can affect health over time. This study aims to see whether simple messages and prompts, called behavioural nudges, can help people change daily habits and lower indoor air pollution levels in their homes. The main focus is on very small particles in the air called PM2.5.
Who can participate?
Adults aged 18 years to 90 years who live in selected communities in China can take part. Participants need to live in a household where activities like cooking may cause indoor air pollution. They must be willing to give informed consent, answer short surveys, and allow air quality monitoring in their home.
What does the study involve?
Participants will be placed at random into different groups. Some households will receive information about indoor air quality and health, including clear guidance on PM2.5 levels. Others will receive standard information for comparison. Some homes may receive simple prompts to encourage actions such as improving ventilation. An air quality monitor will be placed in the home to measure pollution levels over time. Participants may also be asked to complete short surveys about household activities.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
There may be no direct benefit for individuals taking part. However, participants may become more aware of indoor air pollution and how to reduce it. The main risk is minor inconvenience, such as having monitoring equipment in the home or spending time on surveys. The study does not involve medical treatment.
Where is the study run from?
The study is run from Harbin Institute of Technology, with involvement from Nanjing Tech University and the University of Birmingham. The study takes place in selected communities in China.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
April 2026 to October 2026.
Who is funding the study?
National Natural Science Foundation of China.
Who is the main contact?
Dr Jing Liang, j.liang@hit.edu.cn
Contact information
Scientific, Public, Principal investigator
School of Management
Harbin
150010
China
| Phone | +86 13269666930 |
|---|---|
| j.liang@hit.edu.cn |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Allocation | Randomized controlled trial |
| Masking | Blinded (masking used) |
| Control | Placebo |
| Assignment | Sequential |
| Purpose | Basic science |
| Scientific title | Reducing indoor air pollution through behavioral nudges |
| Study objectives | This study aims to estimate the causal effects of behavioral interventions on PM2.5 exposure in rural households and to assess their impacts on exposure levels and related behaviors. |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Submitted 02/04/2026, IRB board at School of Management at Harbin Institute of Technology (School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150010, China; +86 13269666930; som@hit.edu.cn), ref: No.2026-04 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Indoor air pollution exposure in households and associated health risks related to household energy use and cooking practices. |
| Intervention | The study consists of two arms: a treatment group and a control group. Participants in the treatment group received a real-time indoor air quality intervention. This included the installation of a PM2.5 sensor with continuous display of air quality levels. The device provided immediate visual feedback and triggered a red alarm when air pollution exceeded a predefined threshold. In addition, participants were provided with an information leaflet explaining the health risks of air pollution and practical actions to reduce indoor air pollution exposure. Participants in the control group did not receive access to real-time air quality information or the informational leaflet during the study period. The total study duration was two months. This included a two-week baseline (pre-intervention) period during which no participants received the intervention, followed by six weeks of active treatment for the treatment group. Outcome measures were collected throughout both the baseline and treatment periods for all study arms. Participants were randomly assigned to the two groups using a pure computer-based randomisation process. Randomisation was conducted using an online tool without manual interference, ensuring allocation concealment and reproducibility. |
| Intervention type | Behavioural |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) | |
| Completion date | 31/10/2026 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | |
|---|---|
| Age group | Mixed |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 1000 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Adults aged 18 years or older residing in the selected study communities or villages 2. Individuals living in households where cooking or other activities may generate indoor air pollution exposure 3. Individuals willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent 4. Households willing to participate in surveys and allow indoor air quality monitoring during the study period |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Adult residents living in the selected study communities or villages 2. Individuals who regularly cook or spend time in the household where indoor air pollution exposure occurs 3. Individuals willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent 4. Households willing to allow installation or use of indoor air quality monitoring devices during the study period |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/04/2026 |
| Date of final enrolment | 31/08/2026 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- China
Study participating centres
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protocol file | 16/04/2026 | No | No |
Additional files
- 49374 Study Protocol.pdf
- Protocol file
Editorial Notes
16/04/2026: Trial's existence confirmed by IRB board at School of Management at Harbin Institute of Technology.
