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Peak expiratory flow rates in healthy Nigerian children
Patricia A Agaba1, Tom D Thacher, Ishaya A Angyo
1Department of Family Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Insights
This study measured peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in Nigerian children. Height showed the strongest correlation, suggesting its use in predicting PEFR for children in Jos.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pulmonology
- Environmental health
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a key indicator of lung function.
- Understanding normative PEFR values in diverse populations is crucial for diagnosing respiratory conditions.
- Urban Nigerian children's respiratory health requires specific assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure and analyze peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in urban Nigerian children aged 6-12 years.
- To investigate the correlation between PEFR and anthropometric parameters in this population.
- To establish potential predictors for PEFR in the Jos metropolis.
Main Methods:
- A portable peak flow meter was used to measure PEFR.
- 1023 children aged 6-12 years from urban Nigeria participated.
- Standard anthropometric measurements were recorded.
Main Results:
- The mean PEFR for the study population was 212.6 +/- 46.6 l/min.
- Mean PEFR values for males and females were 213.3 +/- 47.3 l/min and 211.0 +/- 45.9 l/min, respectively.
- PEFR demonstrated a significant correlation with anthropometric parameters, notably height.
Conclusions:
- Height is a significant predictor of PEFR in Nigerian children within the Jos metropolis.
- Height can be utilized to develop predictive formulas for PEFR in this demographic.
- Further research into environmental factors influencing PEFR in urban Nigerian children is warranted.
Abstract:
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured in 1023 urban Nigerian children aged 6-12 years, using a portable peak flow meter. The mean PEFR values were 213.3 +/- 47.3 and 211.0 +/- 45.9 l/min for males and females, respectively (mean PEFR for study population was 212.6 +/- 46.6 l/min). PEFR showed significant correlation with the various anthropometric parameters measured, with height having the best correlation. Height can thus be used in deriving prediction formula for PEFR within the Jos metropolis.