Toilet Training Status of Korean Toddlers and Their Mothers' Knowledge of Toilet Training

한국 유아의 대소변가리기 성취도 및 어머니의 대소변가리기 훈련에 대한 지식

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the toilet training status (TTS) of Korean toddlers and their mothers' level of knowledge of toilet training (TT) and to identify the relationship between toddlers' TTS and mothers' level of knowledge of TT. Method: The participants in this study were 315 12-29 month old infants and their mothers recruited from outpatient clinics of hospitals and day care centers. T-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data. Results: TTS of Korean toddlers showed was more advanced compared with previous research samples except for independent hand washing after toileting and this improved with age. The mothers showed higher understanding of the importance of a positive experience and a different pace for each child in the appropriate period for toilet training but less appreciation of the readiness of child to initiate TT. There was a significant correlation between TTS and mothers' level of knowledge of TT. Conclusion: Using the above findings, health professionals who work with children and their families need to develop parent education programs on TT that will promote toddlers' physical and socio-emotional development.