Abstract

PEREIRA, Ângela et al. Toilet training: an observational study in a sample of healthy children between 18 and 42 months old. Rev Port Med Geral Fam [online]. 2015, vol.31, n.2, pp.105-115. ISSN 2182-5173.

Introduction: Toilet training is an important stage in child development. There are few studies and guidelines and our bibliographic research found no national epidemiological data on this subject. The aim of the present study was to determine the patterns of toilet training in a Portuguese population, the factors that may be related to its timing and duration, and methods used. Methods: In this cross-sectional study we selected a convenience sample of children who were seen in three primary healthcare centers. Data were collected using a questionnaire given to parents of children between 18 and 42 months old (M). Children with chronic conditions that affect bladder and bowel control, twins, and replies with incomplete data were excluded. Results: Eighty three questionnaires were completed. In 24, the child had not started toilet training. Of the remaining 59 repies, 31 were from boys, with a mean age of 31M (standard deviation (SD)=9). Mean initiation and completion ages of training were 22M (SD=7) and 27M (SD=7) respectively (earlier in girls). Families living in rural settlements, employed mothers and mothers with less than 5 years of formal education started training earlier. Of the 20 children who completed toilet training, the mean duration was 3M (median 2M (0-16M)). Early initiation of intensive toilet training correlates with an earlier age at completion of training (p = 0.005) but also a longer duration (p = 0.046). The most methods most frequently employed by caregivers were positive reinforcement training and showing examples. Conclusions: Toilet training shows a high variability of factors in this population. We found that female children of employed mothers with less formal education living in rural areas initiate toilet training earlier. There was a statistically significant difference between starting toilet training at a younger age and the acquisition of control of sphincters earlier, but with longer duration of training.

Keywords : Children; Child Development; Toilet Training.

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