The evaluation of the attidudes and knowledge levels of the parents with children between 13-60 months who applied to Dicle University Family Medicine outpatient clinicontoilet training

Introduction and Objective: Early childhood is a critical period that forms the foundation of an individual's development. Self-care skills acquired during this stage are crucial for a child's self-confidence and independence. Toilet training (TT) is a significant milestone in the acquisition of these skills. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge levels and attitudes of parents with children aged 13 to 60 months regarding TT, as well as the sociodemographic factors influencing these aspects. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted between November 2023 and February 2024 with 282 parents who applied to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Dicle University Medical Faculty. Data were collected through face-to-face and online surveys using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Toilet Training Knowledge and Attitude Scale (TTKAS). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: A total of 77.7% of parents reported having provided toilet training to their children. The most frequently used training approaches included taking the child to the toilet frequently (74.0%) and using rewards as incentives (66.2%). The most common reason for initiating toilet training was the child waking up dry in the morning (68.9%). The mean age of initiating toilet training was 24.33±6.83 months, and the mean duration of training completion was 3.74±3.92 months. The mean total score on the TTKAS was 60.81±19.26. A statistically significant difference was found between parental education levels and TTKAS scores (p=0.044 for mothers, p=0.027 for fathers), with higher scores among parents with a university-level education or above. A significant relationship was also observed between family income and TTKAS scores (p=0.006). Additionally, a positive correlation was identified between the child's age and parental TTKAS scores (r=0.197, p=0.001). Conclusion: Although parents demonstrated a certain level of knowledge regarding toilet training, it was observed that incorrect practices were still being used during the process. It is recommended that family physicians take an active role in guiding parents to ensure a healthier and more effective toilet training experience. Keywords: Toilet Training, Parental Attitude, Knowledge Level, Child Development, Primary Health Care