Air Pollution and Well-Being in Uganda: Reducing Biomass Smoke Risks and Improving Education
Official title: Air Pollution and Well-Being: Assessing Risks and Enhancing Education in Uganda (AWARE Study)
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11601048 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short project in Uganda will look at how biomass smoke affects health and whether simple education can help families reduce exposure and protect children and adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2025 |
| Project end | August 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $42,179 |
| NIH project number | 3R21ES036753-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11601048 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals in rural or biomass-heavy regions of Uganda who are exposed to indoor biomass smoke and are willing to engage with educational guidance.
✕Less likely to help
People with no exposure to biomass smoke or those unable to participate in educational activities may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses existing study groups in Uganda to understand how smoke from wood burning in homes affects health and daily life. Researchers will collect information on exposure, health outcomes, and local practices, then test culturally appropriate guidance to reduce exposure. The goal is to empower communities with practical, locally relevant steps to protect vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Results could guide future health recommendations and community education in biomass-heavy regions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, families in biomass-heavy areas could learn practical ways to lower exposure and improve health, especially for children and older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown that education and behavior changes can reduce exposure in some settings, but underrepresented populations like rural Uganda require targeted approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: North, Crystal — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: North, Crystal
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.