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Reliability and validity of a modified Bristol Stool Form Scale for children

Mariella M Lane1, Danita I Czyzewski, Bruno P Chumpitazi

  • 1Baylor College of Medicine, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Houston, TX, USA. mmlane@texaschildrens.org

The Journal of Pediatrics
|April 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The modified Bristol Stool Form Scale for Children (mBSFS-C) is reliable and valid for pediatric use. Children aged 6 years and older can use the scale with descriptors read aloud, while those aged 8 years and older can use it without.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Assessment Tools
  • Child Health Research

Background:

  • Accurate stool assessment is crucial for diagnosing and managing pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.
  • The Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) is a widely used tool, but a child-friendly version is needed.
  • The modified Bristol Stool Form Scale for Children (mBSFS-C) was developed to improve stool form assessment in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the reliability and criterion-related validity of the mBSFS-C in children.
  • To determine the minimum age at which children can reliably use the mBSFS-C.
  • To establish age-specific usage guidelines for the mBSFS-C.

Main Methods:

  • Children aged 3 to 18 years rated stool photographs using the mBSFS-C, which includes 5 stool form types with descriptions and drawings.
  • Two conditions were tested: descriptors unread (n=119) and descriptors read aloud (n=191).
  • Interrater reliability and percentage of correct ratings were analyzed based on age and descriptor condition.

Main Results:

  • Reliability (intraclass correlation) improved when descriptors were read aloud (0.79 vs. 0.62).
  • Children's reliability in using the mBSFS-C increased with age.
  • Acceptable reliability was achieved by children aged 8 years and older without descriptors read, and by children aged 6 years and older with descriptors read.

Conclusions:

  • The mBSFS-C demonstrates good reliability and validity for use in children.
  • The recommended lower age limit for mBSFS-C use is 6 years with descriptors read and 8 years without.
  • The mBSFS-C is a valuable tool for pediatric clinical practice and research settings.
Abstract

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