Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Real-Time Void Spot Assay
06:39

Real-Time Void Spot Assay

Published on: February 10, 2023

Quality of life in neurologically healthy children with urinary incontinence

Gunilla Gladh1, Monica Eldh, Sven Mattsson

  • 1Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Division of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden. gunilla.glad@Lio.se

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|November 30, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Active treatment for childhood urinary incontinence significantly improves quality of life (QoL). This study found incontinent children have lower QoL, impacting social skills and self-esteem, supporting early intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Quality of Life Research
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Urinary incontinence in children can negatively impact psychosocial well-being.
  • Limited data exists on the quality of life (QoL) for neurologically healthy children with urinary incontinence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in children with urinary incontinence.
  • To provide evidence supporting active treatment for childhood urinary incontinence.

Main Methods:

  • A validated, child-adjusted self-rating QoL questionnaire was administered to 120 children (aged 6-16) with urinary incontinence.
  • A control group of 239 age-matched healthy children was included for comparison.
  • Data was analyzed comparing the patient and control groups overall and in age-specific subgroups.

Main Results:

  • Children with urinary incontinence reported significantly lower QoL scores compared to controls (p<0.0001).
  • Social situation, self-esteem, and self-confidence were most affected, particularly in younger children.
  • A small percentage of the control group with incontinence also reported lower QoL, but still better than the study patients.

Conclusions:

  • Quality of life (QoL) is demonstrably reduced in children experiencing urinary incontinence.
  • The findings strongly support the initiation of active treatment for urinary incontinence in children at younger ages.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History01:21

Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History

The genitourinary system is critical to maintaining fluid balance, waste elimination, and reproductive function. Nurses play a vital role in assessing this system, beginning with a thorough health history. This process involves gathering patient information, identifying risk factors, and recognizing symptoms of genitourinary disorders. Early detection is vital for timely interventions and management.1. Gathering Patient InformationA complete health history includes the patient’s personal,...
Urinary Bladder01:23

Urinary Bladder

The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular sac that temporarily stores urine before it is expelled from the body. It can hold approximately 600 mL of urine prior to micturition. The bladder is retroperitoneal and located behind the pubic symphysis in the pelvic floor.
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry01:19

Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry

Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive urodynamic test designed to measure various aspects of urination, including volume, flow rate, and the time to void. This test is crucial for diagnosing and assessing conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction, bladder dysfunction, incomplete bladder emptying, incontinence, and urinary tract blockages caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urethral strictures.Pre-Test Instructions:Before a uroflowmetry test, patients are typically advised to drink...
Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management01:17

Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management

In managing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing, a comprehensive assessment is essential. Begin by gathering subjective data, such as the patient’s complaints of dysuria (painful urination), urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, and any lower abdominal discomfort. This information can be complemented by questions regarding previous UTIs, sexual activity, and personal hygiene practices, which can provide insight into risk factors. Objective assessment should focus on signs like...
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
Disorders of the Urinary System01:20

Disorders of the Urinary System

The urinary system is responsible for eliminating waste and excess fluids from the body. However, disorders of the urinary system can arise due to various reasons like infections, stress, age, congenital abnormalities, and lifestyle.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...