Health Status of Adults with Short Stature
Author Information
Author(s): Heidi Johansen, Inger-Lise Andresen, Eva E Naess, Kare Birger Hagen
Primary Institution: Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital
Hypothesis
To examine the subjective health status of adults with short stature and compare it with the general population and rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusion
People with short stature reported impaired health status in all SF-36 subscales, indicating that they have health problems that influence their daily living.
Supporting Evidence
- The ShSt sample reported statistically significant impaired health status in all SF-36 subscales compared with the GP sample.
- Health status seems to decline with increasing age, and earlier than in the general population.
- Within the short stature group, there was a significant association between age and all SF-36 physical subscales.
Takeaway
Adults who are shorter than average often feel less healthy than taller people, especially as they get older.
Methodology
A questionnaire was mailed to 72 subjects with short stature, with a response rate of 61%. Health status was assessed using the SF-36 version 2.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to low response rate and lack of information on non-respondents.
Limitations
Only 61% of eligible persons responded, which may introduce selection bias, and the sample size is small.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 36.4 years, 67% females, with various skeletal dysplasias.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 25–44
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website