A Cross-Sectional Study on the Perceptions and Practices of Teenagers With Inflammatory Bowel Disease About Repeated Stool Sampling

Abstract

Purpose: Repeated stool sampling to monitor disease activity is increasingly used in teenagers with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Knowledge about their perceptions and practices regarding collection of feces will increase the success rate of this monitoring strategy.

Methods: We sent a survey to teenagers with IBD treated in an academic center.

Results: Seventy-two of 122 invited teenagers completed the survey (response rate 59%; median age 15 years (interquartile range, 13-17). Eighty-five percent reported that stool sampling is normally initiated with help of their parents or caretakers. Seventy-eight percent of respondents say that their parents assist with the placement of stool in the container.

Conclusions: Teenagers do not feel embarrassed by the idea of stool sampling, but an active role of the parents or caretakers is an important prerequisite for maintaining a stool-based disease monitoring system. Autonomy in stool sampling is an essential skill required for a successful transition to adult-centered IBD care.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02197780.

Keywords: Adolescent; Feces collection; Inflammatory bowel diseases; Perceptions and practices; Transitional care.