Evaluation of Peak Expiratory Flow Rates (Pefr) among Healthy Children of Khairpur Mir’s City of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim:To assess the peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) among healthy children aged 6 to 12 years Study design: A cross-sectional study Place and Duration: This Study was conducted at Gambat Medical College Khairpur Mir’s, Pakistan from April 2019 to March 2020. Methodology: A study using a random sampling technique was conducted in primary schools. Healthy school children of either gender ages 6 to 12 years were enrolled in the study. An EU scale peak flow meter measured PEFR (60-800 l/min). While standing, their PEFR was determined. A total of three readings were taken, with the highest value being recorded. SPSS version 21 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Boys made up 56.15 percent (n=278) of the 495 participants. PEFR was measured at a minimum of 6 years old and a maximum of 12 years old in both genders. Boys aged 6 to 12 years had a PEFR of 179.71 ± 30.67 (L/Min), whereas girls had a PEFR of 159.15 ± 25.77 (L/Min). There was no discernible difference between genders and age categories (t=0.912, P=0.189). Conclusion: Mean PEFR values may vary between gender and age. PEFR results from this study can be utilized as a clinical reference for children aged 6 to 12 years of age. Clinicians can use these PEFR values to measure lung function and airway obstruction in this population subset. Keywords: Age, Gender, Lung Function Test, Peak Expiratory Flow Rates