Association Between Lung Function of Children and Their Socioeconomic Conditions: A Systematic Review

Abdullah Alzayed Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, 13317, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Abdullah Alzayed, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, 13317, Saudia Arabia, Email aaalzayed@imamu.edu.saObjective: 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.Keywords: socioeconomic status, SES, lung function, children, FEV1, FVC