Int J Gen Med. 2024 May 18;17:2265-2278. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S456643. eCollection 2024.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the association between socioeconomic conditions and the lung function of children below 18 years old.
DESIGN: Systematic review.
METHODS: PRISMA guidelines were followed to browse relevant studies from 2013 to 2023. Data from the included studies were extracted after the Newcastle-Ottawa risk of bias tool was applied.
MAIN OUTCOME: Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) liters.
RESULTS: 20 papers with 89,619 participants were included. Logistic regression model for FEV1 based on multiple SES indices, suggested a positive association between lower respiratory function and a lower SES, with an interquartile odds ratio (OR) of 1.67 (95% CI 1.03-1.34).
CONCLUSION: Children from a lower socioeconomic status (SES) do exhibit lower lung function and addressing the causes of this can contribute to developing preventive public health strategies.
LIMITATIONS: Lack of appropriate reference values and varied indicators of socioeconomic status in the studies contributed to significant statistical differences.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD 42020197658.
PMID:38779651 | PMC:PMC11110818 | DOI:10.2147/IJGM.S456643
