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An Internet intervention as adjunctive therapy for pediatric encopresis
Lee M Ritterband1, Daniel J Cox, Lynn S Walker
1Department of Psychiatric Medicine, Center for Behavioral Medicine Research, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA. leer@virginia.edu
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|October 1, 2003
Summary
Internet-delivered toilet training significantly improved encopresis symptoms in children, reducing fecal soiling and increasing toilet use. This approach offers a convenient way to deliver behavioral interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Behavioral Health Interventions
- Digital Health
Background:
- Encopresis is a common condition in children, often managed with behavioral interventions.
- Access to specialized interventions can be limited by geographical factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an enhanced, Internet-delivered toilet training program for children with encopresis.
- To compare outcomes between children receiving Internet intervention and those in a control group.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 24 children diagnosed with encopresis.
- Participants were assigned to either an Internet intervention group (Web) or a no Internet intervention group (No-Web).
- Both groups received routine medical care.
Main Results:
- The Internet intervention group showed significantly greater reductions in fecal soiling (p<.02).
- Participants in the Web group also demonstrated increased toilet defecation and unprompted toilet trips (p<.02).
- Knowledge and general toileting behaviors improved similarly in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Internet-based interventions are effective for delivering sophisticated behavioral treatments for encopresis.
- This digital health approach enhances accessibility for a widespread population.
- Enhanced toilet training via the Internet shows promise for pediatric behavioral health.