Stool Withholding at School Among Children in the Netherlands

What is the prevalence of and what are the reasons for toilet avoidance and stool withholding at school among children in the Netherlands?In this nationwide cross-sectional study of 1000 children aged 8 to 16 years, stool withholding at school was reported by 51.2% of primary school children and 71.4% of high school students, mainly due to privacy, hygiene, and taboo. There were no significant differences by gender or school location.These findings suggest that improving hygiene and privacy of school toilet facilities may reduce stool withholding and related gastrointestinal symptoms, supporting children’s health and well-being.

Corresponding Author: Sophia P. van Streun, MD, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Amsterdam Pediatric Abdominal Center, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (s.p.vanstreun@amsterdamumc.nl).

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