Can the Arab population in Sweden undergo spirometry examination with Swedish reference values?

Sammanfattning: Spirometry is a lung function test, used to diagnose for example asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The reference values for spirometry are determined by gender, height, age, and ethnicity. Swedish references are used for all patients in Sweden regardless of ethnic background. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the Arab population living in Sweden can perform a spirometry examination with Swedish reference values. The study included seven Arab patients and 13 Swedish patients. Each patient was examined in dynamic (slow and forced), static spirometry, diffusion capacity and finally a reversibility test. The patient performed at least three maneuvers for each part of the test, where the patient breathed in and out maximally using several different techniques. Measurements examined were forced expiratory volume in 1 second, the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second by forced vital capacity, vital capacity, and total lung capacity. A comparison between the spirometry value total lung capacity, was compared between the two methods static spirometry and diffusion capacity. All these values had a p-value above the significance level 0.05. Thus, there was no statistical evidence that there is a difference between the Arabic and Swedish population. According to the result of this study, the Arab population can undergo spirometry examinations with the existing Swedish reference values that exist. However, this is a strong conclusion for few individuals. Hence more research and studies are in need in the future.