Articles Vol. 67 No. CĐ3-NCKH 02/04/2026

SERUM GROWTH HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS AND RELATED FACTORS IN STUDENTS OF SEVERAL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN THAI NGUYEN PROVINCE

Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam1,2, Lo VAn Tan1,2, Tran Thi Hong Van1,2, Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang1,2, Tran Tuan Tu1,2
1 Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy
2 Trường Đại học Y Dược Thái Nguyên
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v67iCD3.4730
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Keywords
Growth hormone, Growth hormone deficiency (GHD), junior high school students, Thai Nguyen.
Abstract

Background: Growth hormone (GH) is a crucial hormone affecting the physical development and metabolism of children, especially during puberty.

Objective: To describe the current situation and factors associated with low serum GH levels in students of some junior high schools in Thai Nguyen province in 2025.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 179 junior high school students aged 10-14 years in 3 schools in Thai Nguyen City. Related factors included age, gender, BMI, central obesity (WHtR), and micronutrient deficiencies (calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin D).

Results: The prevalence of low serum GH was 16.2%. The 13-year-old group had a significantly lower risk of low GH than the other age groups (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.03-0.30; p = 0.003). Female students were 92% less likely to be at risk of low serum GH concentration than males (AOR = 0,08; 95%CI: 0,02-0,36; p < 0,001). Calcium deficiency increased the risk of low serum GH (AOR = 3,90; 95%CI: 1,02-14,86; p=0,046).

Conclusion: The prevalence of low serum GH among students in Thai Nguyen City is quite high; overweight, obesity, and central obesity are factors associated with GH deficiency in junior high school students.

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