Micturition habits and incontinence at age 17--reinvestigation ofa cohort studied at age 7.
OBJECTIVE
To study the epidemiology of micturition disturbances in teenagers.


METHODS
A subsample of 1034 teenagers previously evaluated at age 7 years was reinvestigated 10 years later. A postal questionnaire was used and a response rate of 71% (736) obtained. Those who reported bladder symptoms were contacted by telephone for a detailed history concerning imperative urge, daytime incontinence, emptying difficulties and bedwetting.


RESULTS
There was a general decrease in the frequency and intensity of symptoms from 7 to 17 years of age. At age 17 at least one symptom was reported by 5.9% of the girls and 0.9% of the boys. Overall the symptoms were regarded as mild or moderate.


CONCLUSIONS
At age 17 years, micturition disturbances were reported infrequently and few subjects wanted medical help.
Hellström
A
A
Department of Paediatric Surgery, East Hospital, Göteborg University, Sweden.
Hanson
E
E
Hansson
S
S
Hjälmäs
K
K
Jodal
U
U
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000453:epidemiology; D014554:Urination