PUNE: Children and adolescents with moderate to high anxiety levels were at higher risk of being short as compared to those whose anxiety levels were lower, a recent study in rural and urban areas of six states, including Maharashtra and Gujarat, has revealed.
The study was carried out to shed light on the connection between higher anxiety and shorter height in children and adolescents. It was conducted by Pune-based Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute at Jehangir Hospital, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Nagpur-based Silver Lining Paediatric Superspeciality Centre.
It involved 2,158 participants in the age group of 9-18. Researchers collected information on their height and level of anxiety using standard protocols and the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI). The other states where the study was carried out include Chhattisgarh, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Punjab.
Dr Anuradha Khadilkar, deputy director, Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute, told TOI, "The results showed that there was a significant correlation between height and anxiety scores, with children who had moderate to high anxiety levels having a higher likelihood of being short."
Dr Chirantap Oza from Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute said, "The study found that factors like the child's area of residence (urban or rural) and their physical activity levels also had an impact on their height. The findings suggested that chronic activation of stress systems and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol could negatively impact growth, as well as thyroid function, puberty and metabolism."
Dr Khadilkar said, "This is because the stress response can cause the release of cortisol and other hormones that shift the body's metabolism towards breaking down rather than building up, leading to reduced growth hormone secretion."
One city per state and one nearby village was selected for the study. The study centres thus selected were Maharashtra (Pune and Ranjangoan), Gujarat (Bilimora and Gandevi), Chhattisgarh (Raipur and Kurud), Assam (Diphu and Manja), Tamil Nadu (Chennai and Urpakkam) and Punjab (Mohali and Lalru). From a list of schools in the respective areas, 42 urban and rural willing institutes were selected.
"Assessing and managing anxiety in children to promote optimal growth is thus important. With growing concern over the mental health of children and adolescents, these findings further emphasize the need for effective strategies to help manage anxiety and promote healthy development," Dr Khadilkar said.
Other researchers involved in the study were Devishree Dunna, Nirali Lohiya, Neha Kajale, Nikhil Lohiya, Vaman Khadilkar and Ketan Gondhalekar.
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