A Study Examining the Impact of Environment and Ethnic Origin on Lung Function in Adolescents

• Ali Dow

  Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, University of Al Jafara, Alzahra, Libya

  Author

Multiple factors, including ethnicity, anthropometric measurements, and environmental conditions, influence the development of lung function during adolescence. This study investigated ethnic variations in peak expiratory flow rate between Pakistani and Libyan adolescents sharing the same environment in Tripoli, evaluated body surface area as a predictor of lung function, and determined whether ethnic origin or body size exerts greater influence on peak expiratory flow rate when environmental factors are held constant, to support the development of ethnic-specific reference values for clinical practice. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 143 healthy students (Pakistani: 32 males, 36 females; Libyan: 35 males, 40 females) from the Pakistan Embassy School and four Libyan schools. Participants with respiratory diseases, medication use, or smoking history were excluded. Peak expiratory flow rate was measured using a Vitalograph Peak Flow Meter, with the highest of three attempts recorded. Body surface area was calculated using the Mosteller formula. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Libyan males demonstrated significantly higher mean peak expiratory flow rate (417.1 ± 55.8 L/min) compared to Pakistani males (402.2 ± 66.4 L/min, p=0.032). Libyan females also showed higher values (363.5 ± 38.9 L/min) than Pakistani females (357.4 ± 36.2 L/min, p=0.047). A strong positive correlation was observed between body surface area and peak expiratory flow rate in all subgroups (r=0.643 to 0.712, p<0.001). Participants with higher body surface area (≥1.70 m²) had significantly higher peak expiratory flow rate than those with lower body surface area (1.30-1.49 m²) in both nationalities (p < 0.001). Multiple regression identified body surface area (β=0.514, p<0.001) and nationality (β=0.187, p=0.012) as independent predictors. Significant ethnic differences in lung function exist between Pakistani and Libyan adolescents living in the same environment. The results indicate that the environment did not have a clear impact on lung function compared to the effects of ethnic origin and body size. Body surface area is a strong predictor of peak expiratory flow rate, supporting the use of ethnic-specific reference values in clinical practice.

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