| NCT ID | NCT06982339 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) |
| Condition | Hot Weather; Adverse Effect |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 100 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-05-19 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-10-15 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 100 participants in total. It began in 2025-05-19 with a primary completion date of 2026-10-15.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The goal of this stepped wedge trial is to assess the practical effects of air conditioners on hot weather impacts among older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: How does the presence of an air conditioning unit affect heat stress, heat strain, mental health, and healthcare utilization among older adults who did not previously have access to air conditioning? How, and in what conditioners, do older adults use air conditioning once it is installed in their home? Researchers will compare participants in arms with (A) and without (B) air conditioning units in the first summer season; this will allow them to assess the effect of air conditioners. In the second summer season, both arms will have air conditioning units, but those in the year two distribution arm (B) will receive an electricity subsidy, while those in the year one AC distribution arm (A) will not, allowing researchers to assess the effect of an electricity subsidy. Participants will be randomized to receive an air conditioner and financial support for electricity costs in either the first summer season or the second summer season of the study. * Heat stress, heat strain, mental health, and healthcare utilization will be assessed via participant survey. * Air conditioner utilization will be assessed via continuous load monitoring devices. * Indoor air temperature will be assessed via continuous data loggers.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * reside in Roxbury, Dorchester, East Boston or Mattapan MA * age 55-95 years old * speak English or Spanish * do not have air conditioning in the home * living with at least one of the following conditions: chronic CVD (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, history of stroke or myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, or heart failure), chronic pulmonary disease (asthma, COPD/emphysema, interstitial lung disease), chronic neurologic disease (stroke, Parkinson's disease, or other chronic neurologic conditions), chronic mental health conditions (including anxiety disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder), and/or history of hospitalization (defined as spending at least one night in the hospital) for any reason within the past three years. Exclusion Criteria: \- Lack a location in their home suitable for installation of the AC unit provided during the research study.
Contact & Investigator
Caleb Dresser Assistant Professor in Environmental Health, MD MPH
✉ beattheheatboston@gmail.com📞 (617) 446-3248
Gary Adamkiewicz Associate Professor of Environmental Health and Exposure Disp., PhD, MPH, MS
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06982339 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 55 Years or older, up to 95 Years, studying Hot Weather; Adverse Effect. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06982339 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06982339 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at beattheheatboston@gmail.com for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06982339 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Boston, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06982339 clinical trial?
NCT06982339 is sponsored by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). The principal investigator is Gary Adamkiewicz Associate Professor of Environmental Health and Exposure Disp., PhD, MPH, MS at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). The trial plans to enroll 100 participants.