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School toilet facilities perception of children with hirschsprung disease: a parents perspective
A C Ter Schure1,2,3, S P van Streun4,5,6, C M C de Beaufort4,5,6
1Department of Pediatric SurgeryAmsterdam Pediatric Abdominal Center, Emma Children's HospitalAmsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands. a.c.terschure@amsterdamumc.nl.
Insights
Many children with Hirschsprung Disease (HD) avoid school toilets for defecation. Improving school toilet facilities and policies can enhance their well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Child Health
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Access to adequate toilet facilities is crucial for children with Hirschsprung Disease (HD).
- Parental perceptions of school toilet environments are vital for understanding children's experiences.
- Hirschsprung Disease presents unique challenges for affected children in public settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate parental perceptions of school toilet facilities for children with Hirschsprung Disease.
- To identify factors influencing children's use of school toilets.
- To understand the impact of school environments on children with HD.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted with parents of children aged 4-13 years with HD.
- Questionnaires included quantitative and qualitative questions on toilet use frequency and experiences.
- Data analysis involved both statistical and thematic approaches.
Main Results:
- Over half of children with HD used school toilets for urination and defecation; a significant minority avoided them.
- Positive experiences were linked to self-cleaning opportunities; negative experiences correlated with a lack of specific toilet rules.
- Key themes influencing experiences included assistance, facilities, school rules, and the medical nature of HD.
Conclusions:
- Toilet avoidance for defecation is prevalent among children with HD in school settings.
- Enhancements in school toilet facilities, personalized support, and tailored policies are recommended.
- Improving the school toilet environment can positively impact the well-being of children with HD.
Purpose:
Access to appropriate and clean toilet facilities is essential for children with Hirschsprung Disease (HD). This study aims to assess how parents of children with HD perceive school toilet facilities.
Method:
A cross-sectional survey was spread among parents of children aged 4-13 years with HD. The questionnaire addressed the frequency of toilet use and reasons for positive or negative experiences, with open- and closed-ended questions, for quantitatively and qualitatively analyses, respectively.
Results:
Forty-four parents completed the questionnaire. The median age of the children was 7 years (IQR 5.3-10.8). Five (11.4%) children never used the school toilet, 16 (36.6%) used it for urination only, and 23 (52.3%) used it for urination and defecation. Positive parental experiences (29, 65.9%) were associated with the possibility for the child to clean themselves at school, while negative experiences (15, 38.6%) were linked to the absence of child-specific toilet rules. Qualitative analysis revealed six influencing themes; assistance, possibilities, school rules, medical nature, toilet facilities, and information.
Conclusion:
Toilet avoidance for defecation remains common among children with HD. Improvements in toilet facilities, support, and individualized toilet policies may enhance well-being in this population.
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