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Peak expiratory flow rate in elderly Malaysians.
P Srinivas1, Y C Chia, P J Poi
1University Department of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|September 6, 2000
Summary
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) declines with age and is lower in women. Respiratory symptoms and smoking impact PEFR in elderly Malaysians, with prediction equations provided.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Pulmonology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging is associated with physiological changes affecting respiratory function.
- Understanding factors influencing respiratory health in the elderly is crucial for public health.
- Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a key indicator of lung function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between PEFR and demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and respiratory health factors in elderly Malaysians.
- To establish population-specific prediction equations for PEFR in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- An epidemiological survey was conducted among 1,414 healthy ambulatory elderly individuals (≥55 years) in Kuala Langat, Selangor.
- Data collected included PEFR measurements, demographic information, socioeconomic status, smoking habits, alcohol use, and respiratory symptoms.
- Statistical analyses were performed to examine relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- PEFR demonstrated a decline with increasing age and was consistently lower in women across all age groups.
- Smoking showed a modest negative association with PEFR in men, but not in women.
- The presence of combined respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, wheeze) was linked to reduced PEFR values.
Conclusions:
- Age and sex are significant determinants of PEFR in elderly Malaysians.
- Respiratory symptoms and smoking status are relevant factors influencing lung function in this population.
- The derived prediction equations can aid in the clinical assessment of lung function in Malaysian elderly individuals.