Relation of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate to Body Mass Index in Undergraduate Nepalese Medical Students of A Medical College of Western Nepal
Abstract
Introduction: Peak expiratory flow rate determination is an important and reliable method to assess lung function which depends on several factors. Body mass index is considered to be one of the significant factors. This study aims to correlate the peak expiratory flow rate with body mass index.
Methods: One hundred and twenty healthy young adults studying medicine at Manipal College of Medical Sciences in their first and second years were included in this study. Peak expiratory flow rate readings were recorded using Wright’s peak flow meter and the highest of the three was considered. Weight and height were measured using standardized instruments and body mass index was calculated using the formula: weight (kg)/height2 (m).
Results: Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was greater in males than in females (p<0.005). Peak expiratory flow rate decreased with increasing body mass index. PEFR was found to not correlate with BMI and weight, however, it showed a positive correlation with height.
Conclusion: The result showed no correlation between peak expiratory flow rate and body mass index.