Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the association between socioeconomic conditions and the lung function of children below 18 years old. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: PRISMA guidelines were followed to browse relevant studies from 2013 to 2023. Data from the included studies were extracted after the Newcastle-Ottawa risk of bias tool was applied. MAIN OUTCOME: Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV(1)) liters. RESULTS: 20 papers with 89,619 participants were included. Logistic regression model for FEV(1) based on multiple SES indices, suggested a positive association between lower respiratory function and a lower SES, with an interquartile odds ratio (OR) of 1.67 (95% CI 1.03-1.34). CONCLUSION: Children from a lower socioeconomic status (SES) do exhibit lower lung function and addressing the causes of this can contribute to developing preventive public health strategies. LIMITATIONS: Lack of appropriate reference values and varied indicators of socioeconomic status in the studies contributed to significant statistical differences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD 42020197658.