Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Sex-based prevalence of growth faltering in an urban pediatric population

Adda Grimberg1, Mark Ramos, Robert Grundmeier

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Grimberg@email.chop.edu

The Journal of Pediatrics
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study found no sex-based difference in growth faltering among children in urban primary care. The male predominance in growth center referrals is not explained by higher rates of growth faltering in boys.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Primary Care
  • Growth and Development
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Growth faltering is a significant concern in pediatric primary care.
  • Existing data suggest a sex disparity in referrals to subspecialty growth centers.
  • The underlying reasons for this referral disparity require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the sex-based prevalence of growth faltering in a pediatric primary care setting.
  • To investigate if male predominance in growth faltering explains the sex disparity in subspecialty growth center referrals.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of 33,476 children in urban primary care practices from July 2002 to June 2005.
  • Growth faltering defined as height <5th percentile or significant height z-score drop.
  • Logistic regression analyses compared growth-faltering and non-faltering groups based on sex, race, age, clinic visits, insurance, socioeconomic status, and parental education.

Main Results:

  • Growth faltering was present in 9% of children.
  • Significant associations found with younger age, Caucasian race, fewer clinic visits, and Medicaid insurance.
  • No significant association was found between growth faltering and sex.
  • Height below -2.25 SD was associated with male sex, Medicaid insurance, and more primary care visits.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of growth faltering in this urban pediatric primary care setting did not differ by sex.
  • The observed sex disparity in subspecialty growth center referrals is not attributable to a higher incidence of growth faltering in males.
  • Further research is needed to understand the reasons for sex-based referral patterns in pediatric growth disorders.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children10:57

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children

Published on: August 22, 2012

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility04:22

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility

Published on: May 30, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
Sex Linked Disorders01:43

Sex Linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Nature and Nurture01:10

Nature and Nurture

Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience, such as differences...
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...