2006 OPEN FORUM Abstracts
Influence of Self reported Socioeconomic Status on Lung Function of Adult Nigerians
*Adedoyin RA PhD (Department of Medical
Rehabilitation, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria) Erhabor GE, MBBS,
Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria Akanmun O, BMR, PT (Department of Medical
Rehabilitation, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria).
Background: Factor
such as socioeconomic (SES) status is known to be associated with reduced lung
function in childhood and early adulthood. Poor lung function however is
associated with an increase risk of cardiovascular disease. The lung function of people in the developing
nations is known to be lower than that of their counterparts in the developed
nations. It has not been proved whether Low socio-economic status that is
prevalent in developing countries is associated with lung function. This study
is therefore designed to assess the association between the socioeconomic
status and lung function among adult Nigerians. It is not presently known
whether childhood socioeconomic status has relationship with lung function
among adult in Nigeria.
Methods: The
subjects consisted of 1,930 healthy adults with age range of 40-73 years. The
forced vital capacity (FVC), Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured
with the aid of spirometer and peak expiratory flow meter respectively. Three
trials were allowed and the highest score was recorded for the analysis. The socioeconomic status was assessed using a
standardized questionnaire that had been found valid and reliable. The
questionnaire gave equal importance to education, occupation and family income.
Based on the score, the subjects were classified to either lower, middle or
higher socioeconomic class.
Results: Results
showed that the three groups are comparable in physical characteristics
(height, weight) and also in age. One way analysis of variance revealed a
significant difference in the FVC across the three groups (P<0.05). Similar
result was got for PEFR. Post hoc (LSD) showed that the subjects in highest SES
have significant higher FVC, and FEFR than the other two groups. No significant
difference was found in the FVC and in PEFR in middle and low SES subjects.
Multiple-regression analysis showed a strong relationship of SES with FVC (r=
0. 56) and PEFR (r=0.73).
Conclusion: Self
reported low socioeconomic status is associated with poor lung function among
adult Nigerians. The people of low socioeconomic factors may be susceptible to
respiratory and cardiovascular disease.