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Thinness negatively affects lung function among Sri Lankan children

Niroshani Senevirathna1, Lakmali Amarasiri2, Deepal Jayamanne3

  • 1Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka.

Plos One
|August 2, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Thinness in children is linked to lower lung function (FVC and FEV1). Nutritional interventions may improve respiratory health in children lacking lung disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Conflicting findings exist regarding the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on lung function in children.
  • Research is needed to clarify the relationship between BMI and respiratory health in pediatric populations.
  • This study focuses on healthy Sri Lankan school children aged 5-7 years.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between spirometry parameters and BMI in healthy Sri Lankan school children.
  • To explore the influence of BMI on lung function measures like FEV1, FVC, PEFR, and FEV1/FVC ratio.
  • To examine socio-demographic and environmental factors affecting lung function in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 296 healthy school children aged 5-7 years.
  • Spirometry was performed to measure Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), and the FEV1/FVC ratio.
  • Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess associations between lung function, BMI, and other variables.

Main Results:

  • A significant difference in FVC and FEV1 was observed between BMI groups (obesity/overweight, normal, thinness).
  • Thin children exhibited significantly lower FVC and FEV1 compared to normal/overweight/obese children.
  • Family income had the most substantial impact on lung function, with lower income associated with reduced FVC and FEV1.

Conclusions:

  • Lower lung function parameters (FVC and FEV1) are associated with thinness in children without apparent lung disease.
  • Nutritional interventions may be crucial for enhancing respiratory health in children.
  • Understanding BMI's role in pediatric lung function is vital for public health initiatives.
Abstract

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