Comparison of peak expiratory flow rate in healthy urban and rural school children in and around Bangalore: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Among the chronic airway disease affecting children bronchial asthma is an important entity. It is a disease which is associated with fluctuation in the airway caliber and one of the earliest signs of attack is a fall in peak expiratory flow rate. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurement is a simple and a reliable way of detecting airway obstruction. In the study determination of PEFR of children in relation to the other anthropometric parameters, gender, environmental parameters and socioeconomic status was evaluated. Comparison of PEFR of urban and rural children was done to see for any significant difference. Methods: A cross sectional study was done comparing a total of 563 children in the age group of 6 to 14 years from both urban and rural limits of Bangalore (290 from urban and 273 from rural). Mini Wright Peak Flow Meter was used to record PEFR. Results: Positive co-relation was found between anthropometric variables like height, weight and body surface area with PEFR. P value showed significant difference between those who were exposed to pets than those who were not. P value difference was not significant between the urban and the rural children. With better socioeconomic status children had better PEFR. Conclusions: There is no significant difference between PEFR of urban and rural children. It does not vary between boys and girls significantly. It varies with the built of the body. Pet exposure has a significant effect on PEFR values in children. Children from lower socioeconomic status have a lower PEFR compared to those from higher socioeconomic status.