Table 2.

Discrete Concerns that Compose Concern Categories Rated by Parents in Survey^*

Concern Category	Discrete Concerns Listed in the Surveys
Treatment Characteristics	Whether the available treatment has been researched and what were the results. Concerns about side effects or fear of possible outcomes from available treatment.
Health	Health issues are causing the child’s short height. The child’s short height is causing health issues. The child is experiencing physical pain or discomfort as a result of their short height. The child’s doctor or nurse believes the child’s height may be a problem.
Psychosocial Functioning	The child’s behavior has changed (feeling depressed, acting out). The child is bothered or concerned about their own height. The child is experiencing bullying or teasing. The child is treated differently than their peers because of their height. The child feels isolated or withdrawn from their peers as a result of their height. The child is not able to participate in activities with peers (such as playing sports, going on amusement park rides). The parent wants the child to be well-adjusted and have a positive body image.
Physical Appearance	The child is a “midget” or a “dwarf”. The child’s growth is disproportionate (different body parts are growing at different rates).
Adult Success	The child’s height would change the child’s behavior, happiness or fulfillment during adulthood. The child’s short height would limit the child’s career choice as an adult.
Comparison	The child’s growth chart percentile or their pattern on the growth chart may be worrisome. The child’s height is short compared to their peers.
Cultural/Demographic Features	The family’s religious beliefs. Whether the child is a boy or a girl. The child’s race or ethnicity.

^*Developed in: Grimberg A, Cousounis P, Cucchiara AJ, Lipman TH, Ginsburg KR. Parental Concerns Influencing Decisions to Seek Medical Care for a Child’s Short Stature. Horm Res Paediatr. 2015 Nov 1;84(5):338–48.