Bed-wetting in US children: epidemiology and related behavior problems.
OBJECTIVE
To better understand the epidemiology and behavioral correlates of bed-wetting in a nationally representative sample of children.


METHODS
Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of cross-sectional data regarding 10 960 children aged 5 through 17 years from the 1981 Child Health Supplement to the National Health Interview Survey. Behavior problems were determined by extreme scores on a 32-item Behavior Problem Index (BPI, > 90th percentile).


RESULTS
Bed-wetting was reported in 33% of 5-, 18% of 8-, 7% of 11-, and 0.7% of 17-years-olds. At all ages, infrequent bed-wetting (fewer than six episodes per year) accounted for half of all reported bed-wetting. Lower age, male gender, and extreme scores on the BPI all were independently associated with both infrequent and frequent bed-wetting. Extreme scores on the BPI were more common among children with bed-wetting than those who did not wet the bed, and the risk for this was similar among children with infrequent and frequent bed-wetting (adjusted odds ratios, 1.8 and 1.7, respectively). Parents' perceived need for help with emotional and behavioral problems, however, was increased only among children with frequent bed-wetting.


CONCLUSIONS
Bed-wetting in children aged 5 years and older, irrespective of its frequency, is associated with increased rates of behavior problems. Thus, although infrequent bed-wetting may not warrant medical intervention, this condition should prompt health care providers to explore behavioral issues in greater depth.
Byrd
R S
RS
Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York, USA.
Weitzman
M
M
Lanphear
N E
NE
Auinger
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004775:Enuresis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011581:Psychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology