Poor Perception of School Toilets and Increase of Functional Constipation

Abstract

Abstract Objective A suggested mechanism of functional constipation (FC) is the refusal against painful bowel movements and a vicious circle of holding back stool, hardening, colonic dilatation and further painful defecation. The aim of this study is to describe perception of school toilets, prevalence of functional abdominal pain (FAP) and constipation in elementary schools. Design and Setting All elementary schools in Giessen County, Germany were contacted. Parents received a questionnaire on perception of toilets and criteria of functional abdominal pain and constipation in two consecutive years. Results 212 (76.5%) families responded the child would use the school toilet for passing urine always, commonly or regularly (ACR), only 92 (33.2%) did so for passing stool. 46 (16.6%) were always disgusted by their school toilets, further 145 (52.3%) reported to be disgusted commonly or regularly. 126 parents reported their child would retain stool to avoid using the school toilet (45.5%). Children who were disgusted by and avoided using the school toilet showed significant higher prevalence of abdominal pain ACR (23.6% vs. 11.2%, p=0.0103) Conclusions Prevalence of abdominal pain and constipation is high and increased after one year. Negative perception of school toilets with consecutive avoidance behavior could be an important and improvable influence.