Evaluation of the effects of the toilet training process on the children's quality of life.

BACKGROUND

Toilet training is a significant developmental milestone for children. During the process of toilet training, voiding and defecation problems may develop, which have a major adverse impact on the child's quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess voiding and defecation problems in the process of toilet training and evaluate how these issues influenced the children's QoL.

METHODS

The children included in the study were followed up at the Department of Social Pediatrics, Ankara University School of Medicine. Participants were surveyed via a questionnaire that included sociodemographic features, the toilet training process, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory.

RESULTS

The study included 177 children and their parents. There was no correlation between the parents' age, sociodemographic features, or the timing of the start of toilet training. Voiding problems were found in 55.6% and defecation problems in 23.6% of the children included in the study. Urinary retention during play and nocturnal enuresis were more frequent in the children toilet trained at 25-36 months of age. The self-reported QoL scores in children with voiding problems and with both voiding and defecation problems were lower than those in children did not have any problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Even if a child has been toilet trained, it is essential to investigate daily urination and defecation habits at every follow-up visit and to discuss with families when a physician should be consulted.