Peak expiratory flow rate of carpet weaving children.

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.