The influence of demographic factors and the duration of treatment with human recombinant growth hormone on satisfaction of parents with the treatment of children with somatotropin hypopituitarism

Abstract

Introduction. The treatment of short stature caused by somatotropin hypopituitarism is a long process with serious restrictions and requirements. Administration of growth hormone in the form of daily injections, drug storage and follow-up visits are burdensome and require the involvement of the whole family in the treatment process. Not only the improvement in the child’s growth but also many other factors may affect the satisfaction of parents with the treatment effect.

Aim of the study. The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of demographic factors and the duration of human growth hormone therapy on the satisfaction of parents with the treatment od children with somatotropin hypopituitarism.

Materiał and methods. The study involved 69 parents of children with somatotropin hypopituitarism treated with growth hormone at the Department of Paediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology and Paediatric Neurology at the Children’s Hospital in Torun. The research used the own questionnaire and KIDSCREEN questionnaire for parents.

Results and conclusions. The satisfaction with human growth hormone therapy depends on the child's growth results and is not affected by the long-term therapy. Parents' satisfaction with growth hormone treatment does not depend on the parents' education, place of residence or the child's sex. Research shows that satisfaction depends on the age of the child

Key words: short stature, somatotropin hypopituitarism, parents satisfaction with growth hormone therapy, long-term therapy, demographic factors.