Socioeconomic Status and Lung Function in Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Menezes Ana MB, Dumith Samuel C, Perez-Padilla Rogélio, Noal Ricardo B, Wehrmeister Fernando C, Martínez-Mesa Jeovany, Araújo Cora LP, Hallal Pedro C
Primary Institution: Federal University of Pelotas
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the association between lung function in adolescence and socioeconomic status at birth, in adolescence, and the trajectory of socioeconomic status from birth to adolescence.
Conclusion
Low income adolescents from Brazil present impaired lung function as compared to the better off, and this is largely explained by height.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 4,005 adolescents with valid spirometric data.
- Mean FEV1 was significantly lower in adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Height was identified as a major factor explaining the association between SES and lung function.
Takeaway
Kids who grow up poor tend to have weaker lungs, and being shorter is a big reason why.
Methodology
A prospective birth cohort study in Pelotas, Brazil, including 4,005 adolescents followed from birth, measuring lung function with spirometry.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data on smoking may not accurately reflect actual smoking behavior.
Limitations
SES groups were defined based on family income, which may lead to misclassification, and smoking data was self-reported.
Participant Demographics
Mean age: 14.7 years; 51% female; 64% self-identified as white; 27% overweight.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95%CI 3.43-3.49 for boys' FEV1; 95%CI 2.91-2.95 for girls' FEV1
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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