Prevalence and correlates of nocturnal enuresis in the United Arab Emirates.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence, socio-demographic correlates and associated psychopathology in children with enuresis.


METHODS
A community survey of a stratified sample of 400 6-16 year old school children was carried out in the Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. Psychiatric disturbance, if any, was ascertained using the Rutter Parent Scale.


RESULTS
Thirty-two out of the 400 children (8%) surveyed, reported wetting the bed at least once per week. More boys were affected than girls, and 90% of those with enuresis were aged 6-11 years. Presence of enuresis was found to be associated with psychosocial stress in the family; large family size; a positive family history, poorer scholastic performance and presence of psychiatric disturbance as indicated by the Rutter parent score.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that bed-wetting is a common problem among school children and that they need to be carefully screened for associated psychopathology.
Eapen
Valsamma
V
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates. veapen@uaeu.ac.ae
Mabrouk
Abdulazim M
AM
D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000150:complications; D004775:Enuresis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014479:United Arab Emirates / Q000453:epidemiology