Prediction of peak expiratory flow rate in a Ugandan population

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurement is one of the commonly used methods for assessing lung function in general practice consultations. The reference values for use by this method are mainly from Caucasian populations; data for African populations are limited. The existence of ethnic and racial differences in lung function necessitates further generation of PEFR reference values for use in African populations. Objective. To generate equations for predicting PEFR in a Ugandan population. Methods. The PEFR study was cross-sectional and based in rural south-western Uganda. Participants were aged 15 years or more, without respiratory symptoms and were residents of the study area. Multiple regression equations for predicting PEFR were fitted separately for males and females. The model used for PEFR prediction was: logePEFR = intercept + a(age, y) + b(logeage) + c(1/height in cm), where a, b and c are the regression coefficients. Results. The eligible study population consisted of 774 males and 781 females. Median height was 164 cm (males) and 155 cm (females). The majority of participants had never smoked (males 76.7%; females 98.3%). The equation which gave the best fit for males was logePEFR = 6.188 – 0.019age + 0.557logeage – 199.945/height and for females: logePEFR = 5.948 – 0.014 age + 0.317logeage – 85.147/height. Conclusion. The curvilinear model obtained takes into consideration the changing trends of PEFR with increasing age from adolescence to old age. It provides PEFR prediction equations that can be applied in East African populations.

Keywords

Peak expiratory, Ugandan, Population

Citation

Nakubulwa, S. K., Baisley, K., & Levin, J. (2015). Prediction of peak expiratory flow rate in a Ugandan population. African Journal of Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine, 21(4), 96-99. DOI:10.7196/SARJ.2015.v21i4.36

URI

https://nru.uncst.go.ug/handle/123456789/3245

Collections

Natural Sciences

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