Abstract

Background: Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is important and a basic physiological parameter in the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of patients with respiratory illnesses. PEFR decreases with high body mass index (BMI) in elderly age group. We have examined the association of BMI with PEFR in young people. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to study the effects of BMI on PEFR in young people.
Materials and Methods: In the total of 150 students, 50 students of a school (6th–10th class), 50 PUC college students (11th and 12th), and 50 students from degree college in Raichur district were included, interviewed with predesigned questionnaire and physical examination including height, weight, and PEFR measured and BMI calculated.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of 150 participant’s age was 16.70 ± 3.14. Of 150, 59.3% were male and 40.7% were female. There was a significant negative association between BMI (21.78 ± 2.79) and PEFR (374.27 ± 61.156). There was a significant positive association between PEFR and BMI with age. There was statistically highly significant high PEFR among males compared to female. Conclusion: There was a significant negative association between BMI and PEFR; a significant positive association between BMI and age as well as PEFR and age; and a significant positive association between height and PEFR. In our study, there was statistically highly significant high PEFR among males compared to females.