Anthropometric and Lifestyle-Related Factors Associated with Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Among University Students in Lahore, Pakistan
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), which is a crucial pulmonary health indicator, is influenced by various anthropometric and lifestyle factors. Creating a prediction model specific to the target population amongst the youth will be vital for optimizing assessment of respiratory health. The present study was designed to investigate the association of PEFR with anthropometric parameters and lifestyle changes in university students of Lahore, Pakistan. A cross-sectional design was adopted including 402 students (mean age 20.27 ± 1.74 years) who were recruited by convenient sampling from the five institutes of graduate studies. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, chest circumference, waist circumference and handgrip strength were taken, and lifestyle questionnaires were used to measure physical activity and food habits. PEFR was recorded on a calibrated mini-Wright peak flow meter, the maximum of three readings was used. The Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t tests, one‐way ANOVA, and simple linear regression were used to analyze data, with statistical significance determined as p < 0.05. The results showed a significant positive correlation between PEFR and height (r = 0.579, p < 0.001), as well as with both dominant (r = 0.674, p < 0.001) and non‑dominant (r = 0.690, p < 0.001) handgrip strength. A higher PEFR was also found when participants had regular exercise, while no significant association was found between intake of processed foods and PEFR. Of the anthropometric measurements, a simple linear regression model revealed that height and handgrip strength were the best predictors of PEFR. In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of anthropometric and lifestyle parameters in influencing lung health among the youth of Lahore. In particular, height and handgrip strength are very simple and practical measures which may be useful to screen initial pulmonary function and to be designed in the context of respiratory interventions for public health prevention. Keywords: Respiratory diseases, pulmonary function tests, anthropometric measurements, lifestyle factors, physical activity, dietary patterns, handgrip strength.
Source: Advances in Food and Nutrition
Authors: Aliza Fatima, Muniba Khaliq
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204635673
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