Factors Associated with Abnormal Lung Function among University Students, Case of University of Rwanda (UR)

Background: Determinants of abnormal lung function among students have not been evaluated. COPD is estimated to have contributed to 3 million deaths worldwide, which is 5% of all fatalities, and over 90% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a global prevalence of 10.3%. A recent study in Rwanda found a COPD prevalence of 4.5%. This study aims to find the “Factors associated with abnormal lung function among university students in Kigali—Rwanda”. Methods: A Cross-sectional study design and administered questionnaire with a minimum sample size of 220 subjects was used. Spirometry for lung function tests was used to identify abnormalities. A statistical data analysis method was employed by using STATA Version 15.1. Univariate, bivariate, and Chi-square were used. Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed which independent variable was associated with a dependent variable. Results: The analysis of this study showed that the high proportion was for female (54.09%). The median age was 23 years (18-29). Regarding marital status all were single. The factors for abnormal lung function were varied and were dominated by building characteristics.The prevalence of abnormal lung function was higher among students (20.9%), almost 4times of the national rate. This prevalence was associated with frequency of window opening (OR:7.06,CI: 1.27-39.30, P =0.025), freshness of air(OR:4.78, CI: 1.76-12.99, P = 0.002) and physical well-being (OR: 4.5; CI: 1.77-11.45, P =0.002). Conclusion: The prevalence of abnormal lung function showed that it is a problem for public health that needs excellent consideration for the associated factors.