Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Urinary and faecal incontinence: a population-based study
U Söderstrom1, M Hoelcke, L Alenius
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Huddinge University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
Insights
Daytime urinary incontinence and faecal incontinence frequently occur together in Swedish schoolchildren. Developing integrated treatment plans is crucial for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Urology
- Public Health
Background:
- Urinary and faecal incontinence are common issues in childhood.
- Understanding the co-occurrence of these conditions is vital for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and coexistence of urine and faecal incontinence among Swedish schoolchildren.
- To identify associations between different types of incontinence in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study was conducted in Eskilstuna, Sweden, involving first and fourth graders.
- Parental questionnaires collected data on incontinence prevalence, with a 67% response rate.
- Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- Daytime urinary incontinence affected 6.3% of first graders and 4.3% of fourth graders.
- Faecal incontinence was reported in 9.8% of first graders and 5.6% of fourth graders.
- Daytime urinary incontinence showed a strong association with faecal incontinence (OR 7.2) and bedwetting (OR 4.1).
Conclusions:
- Soiling and daytime urinary incontinence frequently coexist in Swedish schoolchildren.
- There is a need for collaborative treatment strategies addressing both gastroenterological and urological aspects for affected children.
Aim:
To investigate the coexistence of urine and faecal incontinence in Swedish schoolchildren.
Methods:
Cohort study of all schoolchildren in the first and fourth grades in the city of Eskilstuna. A questionnaire was used, in which parents reported the prevalence of urine and faecal incontinence for their children. with a response rate of 67%. Data were analysed with multiple logistic regression.
Results:
Daytime urinary incontinence (at least once a month) was reported in 6.3% of the first graders and 4.3% of the fourth graders, while bedwetting (at least once a month) was reported in 7.1% and 2.7% and faecal incontinence in 9.8% and 5.6%, respectively. Daytime urinary incontinence was strongly associated with faecal incontinence; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 7.2 (p < 0.001) as well as with bedwetting; OR 4.1 (p < 0.001), whereas faecal incontinence and bedwetting lacked a significant association (OR 1.2).
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that soiling and daytime urinary incontinence often coexist in Swedish schoolchildren. Collaborative treatment strategies with gastroenterological and urological content need to be developed for these children.
Related Concept Videos
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation
Urine Studies I: Urinalysis
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction
Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test