Peak expiratory flow rate and it's determinants in adolescents from South India

Asthma is one among the major health problems found globally with varied prevalence depending upon the geographical location. Several genetic and environmental factors are associated with asthma in children. Our study aims at factors affecting Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) in adolescents from Chennai, south India.

This observational study was carried out in Chennai schools between July 2019 to Jan 2020 with the sample size of 596 (male 56.4%). Adolescents in the age group of 11 to 14 years were included with Institutional Ethics Committee approval, school permission and consent from the participants. Information about age, gender, history, family history and environmental history was obtained through questionnaire followed by anthropometric measurements. PEFR was measured using Mini Wright peak flow meter. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted by using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 16 with derivation of regression equation for the significant parameters.

There was a significant correlation of PEFR with age, gender, height, history of nebulization, family history of asthma and environmental smoke (P < 0.05). The other factors like weight, Body Mass Index, chest circumference, physician diagnosed wheeze, history of recurrent respiratory tract infection and pets in the family did not show significant correlation. The correlation coefficient for height was higher than for other anthropometric measurements (r = 0.498).

Thus, identifying the factors affecting PEFR can provide a basis for targeted prevention efforts in children and adolescents. Prediction formula derived from statistical analysis can be used in diagnosing and following adolescents with asthma from south India.