Lung function in Gypsies in Greece.
The relationship between lung function and smoking and dietary habits was examined in 121 Gypsies (62 males, 59 females) who were 14-70 y of age and who lived in Greece. All were examined clinically, after which they all participated in spirometry tests. Half of the study group had abnormal (< 80% of predicted) forced vital capacity, 36.4% had abnormal (< 80% of predicted) forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, and 5% had serious lung function disturbances (forced vital capacity < 50% of predicted). Approximately 70% of subjects were smokers, and their diets were rich in alcohol and meat; they ate very few salads and oranges. Consequently, decreased lung function might be a major health problem in Gypsies in Greece. Organization of preventive health strategies should improve the overall health of this study group.
Gourgoulianis
K I
KI
Department of Physiology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
Tsoutsou
P
P
Fotiadou
N
N
Samaras
K
K
Dakis
D
D
Molyvdas
P A
PA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D006178:Romani People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology