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CONGRESS OF THE ESPU
17:17–17:20
S19-7 (PP)
INFLUENCE OF THE KIND OF DIAPER
ON THE PRESENTATION OF MICTURITION ELIMINATION
SIGNALS: A PILOT STUDY
Kelly VAN DER CRUYSSEN
1
, Stefan DE WACHTER
2
, Guido VAN HAL
3
and Alexandra VERMANDEL
1
1) University of Antwerp, Rehabilitation Sciences and Kinesiology, Antwerp, BELGIUM - 2) University of Antwerp,
Urology and urological rehabilitation, Antwerp, BELGIUM - 3) University of Antwerp, Social Medicine - Medical Sociology
and Health Policy, Antwerp, BELGIUM
PURPOSE
Signals made by an infant to communicate about the need and awareness of micturition are labeled
as elimination signals (ES). Western infants commonly use diapers to micturate and defecate until
they display readiness signs. Different kind of diapers will diverge in degree of absorption. This will
have an influence on the wet sensation when the infant is voiding. The aim of this study was to as-
sess the difference in presentation of these ES when wearing a disposable compared to a reusable
diaper.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The voidingbehavior of 32 non-toilet trained infants (16 wearing disposable diapers, 16 wearing re-
usable, less absorbent diapers, aged 6 - 24 months) was observed and videorecorded. The diaper
contained a light box that initiated to shine when the sensor became wet. This light could not be
noticed by the infant. Two independent researchers assessed the videorecordings of the micturition
using a checklist containing twelve ES.
RESULTS
Forty-seven percent of the infants displayed ES. Infants wearing a reusable diaper displayed more
ES (p=0.013). Only 25% of infants wearing a disposable diaper exhibited at least one ES compared
to 68.8% wearing a reusable one. A significant difference was detected in presentation of ES during
voiding (p=0.009). No difference could be detected before (p=0.127) and after micturition (p=0.197).
No significant relationship was found between any individual ES and the kind of diaper.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of a reusable diaper increases awareness of voiding compared to the use of the dispos-
able one. Parent-infant communication is facilitated possibly due to the increased wet sensation
provided by a reusable diaper in contrast to a disposable diaper. Further research should focus on
whether the use of the reusable diaper combined with implementation of these ES in toilet training
will advance and facilitate the process.