The Mountain West Hub (MWH), a partnership between the Colorado School of Public Health and community members in West Denver (WD) and the San Luis Valley (SLV), is conducting an implementation study on DIY indoor air cleaners. Both communities have expressed concerns about poor air quality, and DIY air cleaners offer an economical and effective solution for improving indoor air quality. The study has three objectives: (1) evaluating adoption, use, and maintenance of air cleaners; (2) assessing indoor particulate matter (PM) exposure associated with ambient PM; and (3) evaluating the impact of DIY air cleaner usage on physical and mental health outcomes. A feasibility study was carried out in early 2026 to identify potential challenges and gather feedback from participants and community navigators prior to launching the full study.
Fourteen households participated in the feasibility study: 7 from WD and 7 from the SLV. Participation included receiving a DIY air cleaner, completing three home visits with a community navigator, and completing an online midpoint survey. Data collected during home visits and surveys included self-reported mental and physical health indicators, household characteristics, air cleaner feedback, and biometric outcomes. Focus groups were held with participants and community navigators following study close to gather additional feedback and inform full study planning.
Feasibility study findings highlighted several logistical challenges, including scheduling difficulties and time burden for participants and community navigators, a need for stronger communication channels, and technical issues with data collection tools. These lessons have directly informed full study procedures.
Findings from the feasibility study underscore the value of early community engagement in refining study procedures and strengthening study design. This community-centered approach has the potential to improve health disparities on a local scale and serve as a model for similar efforts to combat environmental health challenges in the Mountain West and beyond.
