A comparative study was conducted on 163 asthmatic children from Kuala
Lumpur (polluted area) and 38 asthmatic children from Terengganu (less
polluted area). The objective of this study was to compare the lung functions
of the asthmatic children between the 2 sexes and study areas. Questionnaires
and diary cards were used to obtain background information and frequency of
asthma attacks. A spirometer was used to measure lung functions of the
asthmatic children. Findings showed that there was a significant difference in
the FEV,% predicted (p=0.002), FEV/FVC % predicted (p =0.001) and the
%FEV/FVC (p=0.002) between male children in the two areas. However, only
the FEV,% predicted (p=O.Oll) was significantly different between the female
children in the two areas. Significant correlation was also found between the
frequency of asthma attacks with FEV)% predicted (p=0.008), FEV/FVC %
predicted (p=O.OOI) and % FEV/FVC (p=O.OOI) among the asthmatic children
Kuala Lumpur but no significant correlation was found among the asthmatic
children in Terengganu.
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