Nocturnal enuresis and psychopathology : associations in a community sample

Abstract EN

A community survey of a stratified sample of 6-12 year old primary school children was carried out in Al Ain city, UAE using the Parents' and Teachers' versions of the Rutter Questionnaire for children's psychological health.

The results showed that 5,5% had nocturnal enuresis.

Those with enuresis were compared to non-enuretics matched for age and gender.

The results showed that enuretics showed higher rates of behavioural and emotional problems according to both teacher's and parents' reports.

Older children showed higher rates of emotional problems than younger children.

It is concluded that all children with enuresis should be screened for psychological problems as enuresis is unlikely to be a solitary problem.