Validation BITSS Brussels Infant Stool Scale

objective : the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS) is inadequate for non-toilet trained children.

The Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale (BITTS) was developed, consisting of 7 photograps of diapers containing stools of infants and toddlers. We aimed to evaluate inter-observer reliability of stool consistency assessment among parents, nurses and medical doctors using the BITTS.

Method :

In this multicenter cross-sectional study (2016-2017), Bitts photograps were rated according to the BSFS. The reliability of the BITTS was evaluated using the overall proportion of perfect agreement and the linearly weighted K statistic.

What is known :

• reliable assessment of stool consistency is important for evaluating children's defecation pattern and diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders.
• the reliability of the Bristol Stool Form Scale, developed for adults, has been debated for young children who are non-toilet trained and wear diapers

To get validation of the BITTS :

• a non-toilet trained child makes stool in diaper
• caregiver scores the aspect of the stool according to the BITTS
• caregiver takes a picture of the diaper
• after 1 monts she rescores the picture according to the BITTS

Inclusion criteria

pictures of diapers with stool of all childeren who are non-toilet trained

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Exclusion criteria

• none