Introduction: Many confounding factors such as sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) affect pulmonary function parameters, but there are limited data about the direct and/or indirect effects of small airway function on lung function for differences in confounding factors.
Objectives: This study aimed to use structural equation model (SEM) to explain the influence of the confounding factors (age, sex, and BMI) on the relationship between small airway function and lung function in patients with lung cancer.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a single medical center. Subjects were assessed; small airway function was specified by MEF25% and MEF50%; lung function by FVC; pulmonary obstruction by FEV1, FEV1%, and FEV1/FVC; and PEF and PEF% reflected the strength of abdominal muscles. The measurement model was analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis. The SEM was conducted to analyze the structural models of the effects of the confounding factors.
Results: In the measurement model, variables were fit to their domains, the path linking age and sex to pulmonary obstruction was positive and statistically significant, and the path linking sex to muscle strength was also positive and statistically significant. Muscle strength positively and significantly mediates the path between sex and FVC. As a moderator, BMI increased the effects of small airway function on FVC.
Conclusion: Age and sex were directed to pulmonary obstruction, and muscle strength as a mediator between sex and lung function was novel, and BMI adjusted the effects of small airway function on FVC.
Keywords: association; confounding factor; pulmonary function; small airway; structural equation model.
© 2022 The Authors. The Clinical Respiratory Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.