Study protocolRelated researchFull text reviewed

The effects of cool roofs on health, environmental, and economic outcomes in rural Africa: study protocol for a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial

Bunker et al. · 2024 · Trials

DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07804-0 ↗

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01 / Study designStudy protocol

02 / ContributionPlanned methods and outcomes

03 / Interpretation

A protocol does not establish intervention effects.

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Summary

Describes a cluster-randomized trial of reflective roofs and health, environmental and economic outcomes in Nouna.

Full text reviewed

The summary describes the published study and the sources listed below.

Scientific notes: 2026-11-11 · Research connections: 12 November 2026

Protocol / published information

Protocol overview

Reports trial design and implementation procedures, not intervention-effect estimates. Application of reflective coatings to 300 homes is a process description, not evidence of improved health.

Study design & setting

Study design and methods

Population, setting or evidence base

Nouna HDSS, Burkina Faso. Stratified cluster-randomized trial protocol; household as cluster, 1: 1 cool-roof versus control. 600 households, 1,200 adults across 25 villages; 152 participants in a wearable substudy.

Methods

Stratifies by village and roof material. Primary endpoint:monthly heart rate. Secondary measures include indoor climate, blood pressure, sleep, mental health, economic and other outcomes.

Limits to interpretation

Limitations

Protocol appeared after recruitment; COVID-related timing prevented baseline collection. Households know assignment. Device breakage required wearable replacement.

Research relevance

Illustrates how population-surveillance infrastructure can evaluate a tangible adaptation intervention.

People, places & projects