Table IV.
Pulmonary function indices among dental healthcare workers in South Africa
| Pulmonary function indices | Overall (N = 421) |
|---|---|
| Entire group | |
| -FEV1 (litres) | 2.76 ± 0.7 |
| -FVC (litres) | 3.26 ± 0.9 |
| -FEV1 % predicted | 93 ± 16.4 |
| -FVC % predicted | 94 ± 17.0 |
| -FEV1/FVC % | 85 ± 8.4 |
| -No. with initial FEV1 < 80% predicted | 84 (19%) |
| -Proportion with FEV1/FVC ≤ 0.7 | 17 (4%) |
| -Proportion with FEV1 post-bronchodilator increase ≥ 12% and 200 ml increase | 21 (5%) |
| Males (n = 102) | |
| -FEV1 (litres) | 3.39 ± 0.6 |
| -FVC (litres) | 4.08 ± 0.8 |
| -FEV1 % predicted | 91 ± 15.0 |
| -FVC % predicted | 92 ± 16.0 |
| -FEV1/FVC % | 84 ± 7.6 |
| Females (n = 310) | |
| -FEV1 (litres) | 2.55 ± 0.6 |
| -FVC (litres) | 2.99 ± 0.7 |
| -FEV1 % predicted | 94 ± 16.8 |
| -FVC % predicted | 95 ± 17.2 |
| -FEV1/FVC % | 86 ± 8.6 |
Continuous variables-mean ± SD; Categorical variables-number (%); Reference values are from the ECCS, 1993. FEV1: forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FVC: forced vital capacity.