Prediction of peak expiratory flow rate in a Ugandan population

Abstract

Background. Peak expiratory ow rate (PEFR) measurement is one of the commonly used methods for assessing lung function in general practice consultations. e reference values for use by this method are mainly from Caucasian populations; data for African populations are limited. e existence of ethnic and racial dierences 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. e 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 tted separately for males and females. e 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 coecients. Results. e eligible study population consisted of 774 males and 781 females. Median height was 164 cm (males) and 155 cm (females). e majority of participants had never smoked (males 76.7%; females 98.3%). e equation which gave the best t 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. e 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.