Lung Capacity and Health: A Comprehensive Study of Health Polytechnic Students' Respiratory Function

Abstract

Optimal lung function is essential for maintaining overall health and enhancing the quality of life. This study aims to evaluate pulmonary function among stu-dents of Surabaya Health Polytechnic using spirometry, a method that measures lung capacity and performance. An observational descriptive research design with a cross-sectional approach was employed, involving 38 participants selected through purposive sampling. Key parameters measured included Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), with data categorized based on gender, exercise habits, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking history. The results indicated that all variables exhibited normal values for FVC and FEV1, suggesting that the lung function of the participants was within healthy ranges. Specifically, the study found that 67% of underweight in-dividuals and 89% of those with normal BMI had normal FVC values, while all obese participants exhibited normal FVC. Additionally, the majority of male par-ticipants showed normal lung function compared to females. This study high-lights the importance of regular pulmonary function assessments in medical edu-cation and the factors influencing lung health, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring to prevent respiratory disorders.