Peak expiratory flow rate of carpet weaving children.

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1996-02-01
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the adverse influence of carpet weaving on lung functions and the nurtritional status of children employed in such factories. DESIGN: Comparison of the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of the study group with controls of similar socio-economic status and correlate it with anthropometric values. SETTING: Field study. SUBJECTS: One hundred and ten boys, 6-15 years of age engaged in 23 carpet weaving factories of Jaipur city. OUTCOME MEASURES: Linear regression analysis using age, height and weight as independent variables and PEFR as the dependent variable. RESULTS: PEFR of carpet weaving children were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than controls for all except 6-7 years group. The height, weight and chest circumference of these children were also lower (p < 0.05). PEFR did not show significant difference when children were grouped according to their height. CONCLUSIONS: Children working in carpet weaving factories are shorter and lighter compared to normal school going children. As a consequence of the growth retardation, their PEFR values were also lower as compared to normal children.
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Joshi SK, Sharma P, Sharma U, Sitaraman S, Pathak SS. Peak expiratory flow rate of carpet weaving children. Indian Pediatrics. 1996 Feb; 33(2): 105-8