Bedwetting - Prevalence in the Community

Abstract

Backgroud: Nocturnal enuresis (NE) affects children all over the world. There are no epidemiological data available in Portugal. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of NE in Portuguese children, investigate for a possible association between NE and sociofamiliar factors and to determine if NE is a reason for visiting the doctor. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in the region of Foz do Douro - Oporto, Portugal. Children attending primary school were studied. The non-random sample was composed of 862 children from four selected schools. We studied the association between NE and age, gender, number of siblings, birth order, family type, parents marital status, parents degree of education and NE family history. The proportion of enuretic children that visited a doctor was determined. Results: The prevalence of NE was 15.6% (CI 95%: 13.0 - 18.5%), of whom 21.1% were males and 10.3% females. Only 49% of the enuretic families have looked for medical help. NE prevalence was higher for younger children (6 to 9 years old) and for positive family history. Independent risk factors identified by logistic regression were father history of NE, mother history of NE, male gender and age younger than 10. Discussion: The prevalence was similar to that found in other countries. As referred by others, we found an association with male gender, younger age and family history. However, we found no association between NE and social and familiar factors.