Assessment Of Lung Function And Its Correlation With Anthropometric Measurements In Selected Population In Manipal

Abstract

Background: Lung function test is a useful indicator that measures the presence of mild abnormalities, if any. The present study aimed to compare the lung function in people from different occupations and to correlate with anthropometric measurements and blood pressure. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students, faculty, gardeners, housekeeping, and support staff of Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC) and auto drivers of Manipal. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and vital capacity (VC) were recorded using a digital spirometer. Breath-holding time (BHT), and blood pressure (BP) were recorded. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) were measured. The data were analyzed using the Prism statistical package. Results: Forty-one males and Thirty-two females participated in this study. PEFR did not significantly differ among the different occupations but was negatively correlated with WHR in females. For VC, male students showed a significantly higher value than gardeners, whereas female students and faculty members had a considerably higher value than housekeepers. VC negatively correlated with age in males. In females, it showed a negative correlation with age, WHR, duration of indoor non-AC exposure, and systolic BP. BHT of male students and staff was significantly higher than auto drivers, and it showed a negative correlation with age, duration of outdoor exposure, and systolic BP. Lung function parameters did not correlate with indoor AC exposure in males and females. Systolic BP was significantly higher in auto drivers than students, and it increased with age in males. In females, systolic BP negatively correlated with outdoor exposure and positively correlated with indoor non-AC exposure. Among females, WHR was significantly higher in housekeepers and staff than students and faculty. Conclusion: The study results showed that vital capacity was lowest among male gardeners and female housekeepers who tend to have occupational exposure to chemicals. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and vital capacity were lower in females with a tendency towards abdominal obesity. More considerable time spent indoors was associated with lower vital capacity and higher systolic blood pressure in females.