2016, VOL. 2 ISSUE 3, PART A
Abstract:In many population based studies, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is considered as a simple and useful screening method for persons with respiratory problems. PEFR may also vary with environment, region and anthropometric factors. The present study was aimed to construct a PEFR nomogram in normal urban school children (10-12yrs) in Puducherry.
Methodology: An exploratory study was conducted among 792 (432 boys and 360 girls) urban government school children who did not have any episode of respiratory discomforts during the past three month by adhering to sampling procedure of proportionate stratified random sampling method. PEFR was measured using Mini-Wright Peak Flow Meter and the highest among the three values was taken for consideration. Height, weight and chest circumference were measured using standard prescribed methods and tools. Correlation and linear regression analysis were used to formulate PEFR nomogram.
Results: Mean PEFR of 792 students who participated in the study was 324.7±66.1 L/Min (boys – 327.4 L/Min and girls – 319.9 L/Min). PEFR has strong positive correlation with age (r = 0.51, p<0.01), height (r = 0.98, p<0.01), weight (0.79, p<0.01). The prediction equations for PEFR were determined for boys and girls separately. The boys had higher values than the girls, the regression equation for PEFR based on height was PEFR = 8.91 × height in cms – 917.30 (for every 1cm increase in height, PEFR increases by 8.91 L/Min) for boys and PEFR = 8.22 × height in cms – 859.3 (for every 1cm increase in height, PEFR increases by 8.22 L/Min) for girls.
rnConclusion: Findings revealed that PEFR values showed linear relation to height, which being the best predicted variable. The nomogram constructed from the present study was found more or less similar with previously published data. Therefore, it would be more appropriate for each region and country to generate its own region reference values.