Introduction: The global lung function initiative (GLI) 2012 introduced new multi-ethnic spirometry reference values for numerous ethnicities.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of the GLI reference values for the adult Jordanian population.
Methods: About 1875 (1029 females and 846 males) healthy non-smoking adults were enrolled from several locations in Jordan. Spirometry tests were performed. z-scores and predicted normal values were calculated for each participant using GLI 2012 equations in addition to other local equations from the Middle East.
Results: Our results indicated that none of the GLI 2012 or other regional equations studied produced an acceptable fit to our data.
Conclusion: A need to formulate a specific equation for the Jordanian population is urgently required to better evaluate their respiratory conditions.
Keywords: Jordan; Middle East; global lung function initiative; pulmonary function tests; spirometry reference values.
© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.