Prevalence of DVSS Screen-positive Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction among Students Aged 3 - 18 Years with Hearing Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v78i8.281197Keywords:
Bladder and bowel dysfunction, DVSS, hearing impairment, pediatric LUTS, cross-sectional studyAbstract
Objective: To determine the screening prevalence of bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) using the Thai version of the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS) and explore associated psychosocial and environmental factors.
Materials and Methods: A school-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among children aged 3-18 years with hearing impairment. Baseline data and DVSS were collected using questionnaires supported by standardized visual and sign-language materials. DVSS-positive BBD was defined as a total DVSS score ≥ 5. Prevalence, symptom domains, and factors associated with DVSS-positive BBD were analyzed using group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression.
Results: Among 181 participants (mean age 10.4±2.7 years; 65.7% female), 93 (51.4%; 95% CI: 44.1-58.6) screened positive for BBD. DVSS-positive prevalence was 42.9% in children aged <=10 years and 58.8% in those aged >10 years. The most frequent domains were bowel dysfunction/constipation (65.7%), urgency/holding maneuvers (53.6%), and infrequent voiding (47.5%). Independent associated factors were female sex (adjusted OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.08-5.17), anxiety about urination (adjusted OR 6.97, 95% CI 2.48-19.64), behavioral/emotional problems (adjusted OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.04-5.34), aggressive/noncompliant behavior (adjusted OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.13-6.77), and a pressuring toileting environment (adjusted OR 18.56, 95% CI 2.20-156.96).
Conclusions: More than half of students with hearing impairment were DVSS-positive for BBD. Psychosocial and environmental factors were independently associated with screening-positive findings. These results support targeted school-based screening and supportive, non-coercive toileting interventions, while emphasizing that DVSS-positive cases are not clinically confirmed diagnoses.
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