Affiliation:
1. Department of Urology Stanford University School of Medicine 453 Quarry Road Palo Alto 94304 CA
2. Department of Primary Care and Population Health Stanford University School of Medicine 1265 Welch Road Stanford 94305 CA
Abstract
ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDPediatric lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a set of common childhood problems. Community‐level interventions that target behavioral change among children with LUTS can improve symptoms outside of the clinic environment. Parents, navigating the home and school environments, are key in supporting healthy bladder behaviors. Thus, we asked parents about their perceptions and barriers related to pediatric bladder health.METHODSEnglish‐speaking parents (n = 30) of children ages 5‐10 years with and without LUTS were interviewed. Transcripts were coded iteratively by two independent coders using deductive and inductive approaches that emphasized consensus coding and peer debriefing.RESULTSNinety‐three percent of participants were women, 50% were 30‐39 years old, and 60% held a graduate degree. Parents identified school‐, classroom‐, and child‐based barriers to bladder health. These included the bathroom environment, restrictive policies for bathroom use, and anxiety on how and when to use the bathroom.CONCLUSIONSAddressing school‐, classroom‐, and child‐based barriers is necessary to promote healthy bladder habits among children in the school environment and beyond. Recommended school‐based interventions include bathroom use and sanitation policies that support students' voiding needs, teachers' professional development, and school readiness initiatives. Limitations include participation of English‐speaking parents only.