Evaluation of Bowel Management Program on Quality of Life in Children with Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a common disorder that affects the psychological, social, and mental aspects in children. It was showed that the quality of life (QoL) in children with FI was in low level. Bowel management program (BMP) is one of the most effective and low‑cost therapies in selected children with FI, but it has also significant effects on mental functions. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of BMP on the QoL of children with FI.

In a case series study, we prospectively included all school‑age children suffering from FI who had visited in colorectal follow‑up center of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Patient eligibility included children with FI between 8 and 12 years who were candidate of BMP. The QoL was assessed by Persian version of pediatric QoL (PedsQL) 4.0.

In this study, 24 children with FI were studied. Our results showed that total QoL score is significantly different after BMP. The mean score of physical performance before and after BMP was significantly different (P = 0.02). In terms of emotional performance, the mean score of this dimension before and after starting of BMP was significantly different (P = 0.06). In terms of social performance, the mean score of this dimension before and after starting of BMP was significantly different (P = 0.008).

BMP is a low‑cost and affordable treatment that can have a significant impact on improving the QoL of the child by improving intestinal function.