A Cross-sectional Study of Quality of Life and Depression in Children and Adolescents with Short Stature in India
Prerna Khar, Jahnavi S Kedare, Nikhil Bhagwat, Vinyas Nisarga, Swati B ShelkeAbstract
Background:
Short stature, defined as height <2 standard deviations below the population mean for age and sex, can adversely affect children’s psychosocial well-being. Children with short stature may experience bullying, social exclusion, low self-esteem, and reduced participation in academic and extracurricular activities. This study aimed to screen for depression and assess quality of life (QoL) among Indian children and adolescents with short stature.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care endocrinology outpatient department involving 48 children and adolescents aged 8–18 years with short stature and their parents. Sociodemographic and clinical details were collected. QoL was assessed using the QoL in Short Stature Youth Brief Questionnaire (child and parent versions), while depression was screened using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ).
Results:
Higher parental education and father’s employment were significantly associated with better parent-reported QoL. Greater height deficit correlated with poorer emotional QoL in the child-reported version. Children receiving injectable treatment demonstrated significantly higher emotional, social, and overall QoL scores than those receiving oral medication. None of the participants met the SMFQ cutoff for depression. A positive family history of short stature was associated with lower child-reported physical QoL, whereas no significant differences were observed based on etiology or perinatal history.
Conclusion:
QoL in children and adolescents with short stature is influenced by height deviation, treatment modality, and family context. Routine psychosocial assessment, family-centered counseling, and access to effective growth-promoting therapies may improve coping, resilience, and overall QoL in this population.