Development of diurnal bladder control in severely and profoundly mentally handicapped residents

At two time points, separated by an interval of 7 years, the level of diurnal bladder control of 198 severely and profoundly mentally handicapped individuals was assessed. A slight, but statistically significant increase of bladder control between the two time points was found. Difference scores of level of control were submitted to an ANOVA. Age at admission and duration of institutionalization proved to be related to individuals' level of diurnal bladder control. The results were discussed in relation to the use of toilet training procedures with mentally handicapped individuals.