Association of area socioeconomic status with lung function in children

ObjectiveThe study investigates the association between area-level socioeconomic status (SES) and children's lung function.MethodsParticipants were 3994 seventh grade students from the Taiwan Children Health Study living in 14 communities in Taiwan and were recruited in 2007. Area-level SES predictors were population size, occupation type, income and education level. Hierarchical linear models (HLM) were used to examine the effects of area-level SES on lung function, after accounting for area air pollution and individual SES (parental education and family income).ResultsAreas with high income were independently associated with lower child lung function. The coefficients for log transformation of area tax per person in HLM were − 47.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): − 80.9, − 14.8) in FEV1, − 43.8 (95% CI: − 75.2, − 12.5) in FVC, − 93.4 (95% CI: − 179.3, − 7.5) in FEF25-75 and − 203.2 (95% CI: − 349.1, − 57.2) in PEF. All SES predictors influenced in the same direction and affected males more. The interaction of area tax per person with parental educational level was significant on PEF, suggesting significant association of greater parental education with lower lung function in children.ConclusionHigh area SES was inversely associated with lung function in Taiwanese children.

► We searched the effects of area socioeconomic status on children’s lung function. ► Area population size, occupation type, income and education level were selected. ► A two-level hierarchical linear model was used. ► Areas with high income were independently associated with lower lung function.