The impact of bowel and bladder problems on children's quality of life and their parents: A scoping review.
BACKGROUND
Functional bladder and bowel problems are common in children and have a serious psychological as well as physical impact. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesise evidence on the impact of such conditions both on children's quality of life (QOL) and their parents.


METHODS
The scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Relevant studies were identified by a comprehensive search of scientific databases. Inclusion criteria focused on children with bladder and bowel dysfunction, their QOL, and impact on parents. Studies were analysed for aims, study populations, measures, and results.


RESULTS
A total of 783 records were retrieved with 30 meeting the criteria. Most studies found that QOL was reduced in children with nocturnal enuresis, day bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, and combined bladder and bowel dysfunction. Parents' QOL and social-emotional functioning were also negatively affected.


CONCLUSIONS
Functional bladder and bowel problems should be identified and treated as early as possible to minimise negative impacts on QOL of children and their carers. Future research should focus on how to best provide early and effective intervention in the most accessible manner.
['Collis|Dianne|D|', 'Kennedy-Behr|Ann|A|0000-0003-3977-4882', 'Kearney|Lauren|L|0000-0003-0299-6537']
D000328:Adult D002648:Child D003248:Constipation D005242:Fecal Incontinence D006305:Health Status Indicators D006801:Humans D010290:Parents D011788:Quality of Life D012720:Severity of Illness Index D012919:Social Behavior D014549:Urinary Incontinence
child well-being constipation incontinence parental well-being