Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the characteristics and changing trend in respiratory function of primary and secondary students in Guangdong Province.MethodsUsing the data of six rounds of student physical health surveys in Guangdong Province from 1991 to 2014, characteristics and changing trend of pulmonary function of students aged 7-18 years were evaluated based on the vital capacity (VC) and ratio of VC/body weight (VC/BW).ResultsDuring the 24 years, the average VC decreased by 350 mL for male students and 400 mL for female ones in all age groups, whereas decreased by 481 mL for male students and 568 mL for female students in 18-year age group, respectively. The average ratios of VC/BW decreased by 16.3 mL/kg for males and 15.5 mL/kg for females in all age groups, whereas decreased by 12.7mL/kg for males and 12.5mL/kg for females aged 18 years, respectively. The VC reduction values of urban male students in all age groups were greater than those of rural male students (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The VC reduction values of urban female students in most age groups were larger than those of rural female students (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The rural-urban differences of VC reduction value were averagely 35 mL/10 years for male students and 20 mL/10 years for female ones, respectively.ConclusionThe respiratory function of primary and secondary students in Guangdong Province decreased overall and continuously. Physical exercise should be adopted as an intervention measure to promote physical health status of the students.