Stool Withholding at School Among Children in the Netherlands - Report - MDSpire

Stool Withholding at School Among Children in the Netherlands

  • By

  • Sophia P. van Streun

  • Anne C. ter Schure

  • Marianne Rook

  • Bart Sandberg

  • Joep P. M. Derikx

  • Marc A. Benninga

  • Ilan J. N. Koppen

  • Mariël C. H. Croon

  • Ramon R. Gorter

  • May 13, 2026

  • 0 min

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Toilet Avoidance in School-Aged Children in the Netherlands

Overview

This study assesses the prevalence of toilet avoidance and stool withholding among Dutch children aged 8 to 16 years. It identifies key factors influencing these behaviors, including perceptions of toilet cleanliness and associated gastrointestinal symptoms.

Background

Toilet facilities in schools are vital for children's well-being, yet many avoid using them, particularly for defecation. This avoidance can lead to significant health issues, including constipation and fecal incontinence, which may affect psychosocial functioning and increase healthcare utilization. Understanding the reasons behind toilet avoidance is crucial for improving children's health outcomes.

Data Highlights

No numerical data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Toilet avoidance is prevalent among school-aged children in the Netherlands.
  • Factors influencing avoidance include cleanliness, privacy, and cubicle size of school toilets.
  • Psychological factors such as fear of bullying and embarrassment contribute to withholding behavior.
  • Withholding stool can lead to painful defecation and abdominal pain.
  • Increased school absenteeism and parental stress are associated with toilet avoidance behaviors.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the impact of school toilet conditions on children's gastrointestinal health. Addressing toilet facility issues and educating children about proper toileting can help mitigate withholding behaviors and associated health problems.

Conclusion

Improving school toilet facilities and addressing psychological barriers are essential steps in reducing toilet avoidance among children, thereby enhancing their overall health and well-being.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- The Frequency of Constipation and Fecal Incontinence, Along with Their Joint Occurrence, in the Netherlands
  2. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Transanal irrigation with low volume for managing functional faecal incontinence in pediatric patients: a cohort analysis
  3. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Fecal Incontinence Subtypes and Their Symptoms in the Dutch Population: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Analysis
  4. Dissatisfaction with school toilets is associated with bladder and bowel dysfunction - PubMed
  5. New Clinical Care Pathway for Pediatric Functional Constipation | NASPGHAN
  6. conexiant — Bowel Management Reduced Wet Days
  7. Dissatisfaction with school toilets is associated with bladder and bowel dysfunction - PubMed
  8. New Clinical Care Pathway for Pediatric Functional Constipation | NASPGHAN
  9. Linaclotide Effective for Functional Constipation in 6-17 Year Olds: First FDA-Approved Constipation Treatment for Children - American College of Gastroenterology

Original Source(s)

Stool Withholding at School Among Children in the Netherlands

  • by Sophia P. van Streun, Anne C. ter Schure, Marianne Rook, Bart Sandberg, Joep P. M. Derikx, Marc A. Benninga, Ilan J. N. Koppen, Mariël C. H. Croon, Ramon R. Gorter

  • May 13, 2026

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