Lung Function in Gypsies in Greece |
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Authors: | Konstantinos I. Gourcoulianis Poletta Tsoutsou Natasa Fotiadou Konstantinos Samaras Diuitrios Dakis Paschalis A. Molyvdas |
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Affiliation: | Lung Function Laboratory, Department of Physiology , Medical School, University of Thessaly , Larissa, Greece |
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Abstract: | 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. |
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Keywords: | Greece Gypsies lung function spirometry |
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