Nursing Interventions to Mitigate Climate Change-related Effects on Asthma

Empowering Asthmatic Seniors: Nursing Interventions to Mitigate Climate Change-related Effects on Symptom Severity and Physical Capacity

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted nursing interventions in reducing asthma symptom severity and improving physical capacity among older adults during periods of heightened environmental stress caused by climate change (e.g., heat waves, poor air quality). By equipping seniors with practical self-management strategies and personalized support, the study seeks to enhance resilience against climate-related health risks and promote overall well-being.

Climate change has increasingly been linked to the worsening of chronic respiratory conditions, particularly among vulnerable populations such as older adults with asthma. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and elevated air pollution levels pose serious health threats by exacerbating symptoms and limiting physical activity.

This interventional study focuses on developing and implementing a nursing-led, community-based support model that empowers asthmatic seniors to better manage their condition amid climate change stressors. The intervention includes personalized asthma action plans, environmental exposure education, physical activity guidance, and symptom monitoring tools. Participants will receive individualized coaching from trained nurses to build adaptive behaviors that reduce symptom severity and maintain physical capacity during adverse environmental conditions.

Primary outcomes include changes in asthma symptom scores, physical function (e.g., six-minute walk test), and quality of life metrics. Secondary outcomes include frequency of asthma exacerbations, healthcare utilization, and adherence to preventive behaviors.

The study underscores the role of nursing in advancing climate-resilient care models that address the health needs of aging populations in an increasingly volatile environment.

Inclusion Criteria:

Adults aged 65 years and older

Clinically diagnosed with asthma (physician-confirmed)

Stable asthma (no hospitalizations for asthma in the past 30 days)

Able to understand and provide informed consent

Willing and able to participate in a 12-week nursing intervention program

Has access to a telephone or internet-enabled device for coaching sessions and monitoring

Resides in an area prone to climate-related environmental stressors (e.g., urban heat, poor air quality)

Exclusion Criteria:

Diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other significant pulmonary conditions (e.g., interstitial lung disease)

Severe cognitive impairment (e.g., diagnosed dementia) that would interfere with participation

Current participation in another asthma-related interventional study

Residing in long-term care facilities where independent asthma self-management is not feasible

Any unstable medical condition that could confound outcomes or pose safety risks, as determined by the study physician