FRESHAIR4Life: November 2023 update

FRESHAIR4Life is an implementation science programme to prevent 14-21 year olds’ exposure to air pollution and tobacco in low and middle income countries. Read on for a blog post from FRESHAIR4Life PhD candidate Charlotte Hoffman of Leiden University Medical Centre providing an update on the project.

October 23rd marked the start of the first data collection activities for the FRESHAIR4Life research project in the Kyrgyz Republic. After comprehensive training in qualitative research, six local researchers, together with three researchers from the Netherlands, started working on a situational analysis to build the case for action. The outcomes of this analysis will guide the adaptation and implementation of interventions from the "Prevention Palette" aimed at reducing adolescents' exposure to tobacco and air pollution in the subsequent phases of the project.

Over ten days, interviews and focus group discussions were held with adolescents, (primary) healthcare providers, teachers, and other important stakeholders such as family members, politicians, and influential (social) media figures. The team has worked around the clock and managed to conduct 32 interviews and 17 focus groups, involving more than 120 individuals in rural Bishkek and villages in the Chûy region. Additionally, the creative participatory research method Photovoice was used to gain deep insights into adolescents' points of view towards tobacco use and air pollution.

The photos, accompanied by their stories, were an important starting point for group discussions and will be used for future communication and dissemination activities at exhibitions and on social media. Now that the qualitative part has finished, the situational analysis will be complemented by quantitative data collection in the coming weeks. The project can certainly celebrate a flying start and promises good hopes for the next phases and four other countries to follow!

Photo 1: results of the first Photovoice activity

Photo 2: preliminary evaluation exercise with the research team

Photo 3: daily start with dancing the traditional Kara Jorgo and the Macarena

Photo 4: closing dinner

Photo 5: Prevention Palette