Prevalence and risk factors for childhood nocturnal enuresis

A large population based study was carried out to describe the epidemiology of nocturnal enuresis and to outline medical management of the problem. Parents of 1,806 schoolchildren were surveyed and prevalence was ascertained at 13% with two thirds classified as primary enuretics. Significant associated factors included social class, unemployment, family stress and a parental family history of enuresis. Enuretics were more likely to be behind at school, have behavioural problems, soiling and daytime wetting. Enuresis was distressful for the family yet most children never saw a doctor about the problem. In those that did, less than two thirds had a urine test and 40% of parents remained dissatisfied with the outcome of the visit to the doctor. Children were more likely to be prescribed medicine than other treatments whereas the enuresis alarm was recommended for only one in ten children. These findings illustrate that nocturnal enuresis continues to be a problem, that the characteristics of Irish enuretics differ from those in other countries and that medical management of enuresis has room for improvement.