Personal characteristics of enuretic children: an epidemiological study from South-East Europe.
BACKGROUND
This study examined the personal characteristics of enuretic children and investigated the risk factors of nocturnal enuresis among schoolchildren.


METHODS
It was a cross-sectional and descriptive questionnaire study and 2,000 children were stratified according to school population, age and gender. The questionnaire was designed for parents to collect information about the prevalence and associated factors as well.


RESULTS
Nocturnal enuresis was reported in 159 cases (9.8%). The parameters of bladder control after 2 years of age, urination more than 5 times a day, urinary infection history, history of psychological or physical trauma, siblings with health problems, large family size, lack of a private bedroom, and constipation were more frequent in enuretics (p < 0.05). The parameters of having fecal incontinence, parents and siblings with nocturnal enuresis, low educational level of the mother and poor school performance seem to be risk factors for nocturnal enuresis. However, the parental concern level was high, approximately half of the enuretic children did not visit a physician for management of the problem.


CONCLUSIONS
Nocturnal enuresis could be a multifactorial problem originating from bladder dysfunction, deranged sleep patterns and psychological and hereditary predisposition. Hereditary disposition and having fecal incontinence may be important risk factors for enuresis.
Inan
Mustafa
M
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey. mustafainan@trakya.edu.tr
Tokuc
Burcu
B
Aydiner
Cagatay Y
CY
Aksu
Burhan
B
Oner
Naci
N
Basaran
Umit Nusret
UN
D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053206:Nocturnal Enuresis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey