Impact of Low Altitude-Hilly Terrain on Pulmonary Health in Young Adults: A Gender-Based Spirometric Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: This study explores the pulmonary function of young adults living in hilly terrains at low altitudes (around 1,800 ft), assessing the impact of elevation on lung health and potential gender-based differences using digital spirometry. Materials and Methods: Pulmonary functions, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow rate, were measured in individuals aged 18–24 years. Differences between males and females were examined using independent t-tests and Pearson correlation tests to analyze the relationships between various pulmonary metrics. Results: Males demonstrated higher mean values in FVC and FEV1 compared to females, though the FEV1/FVC ratio remained consistent across genders. Correlation analysis within the total sample and across genders revealed significant relationships among the tests. Conclusion: The study highlights low altitude’s physiological effects on lung function, with gender differences in pulmonary findings. These findings necessitate gender-specific approaches in health interventions and emphasize the importance of altitude consideration in respiratory health research.

Keywords

• digital spirometry
• gender differences
• hilly terrain
• low altitude
• pulmonary function
• young adults