Cognitive-behavioral stress management training for boys with functional urinary incontinence

To evaluate an inpatient education program involving cognitive-behavioral stress management training of boys (aged 8-12 years) with functional urinary incontinence.

The short- and long-term intervention effects of the new program on incontinence frequency, quality of life, and coping with daily and illness-related stressors were investigated in 15 boys, compared to 10 boys on a more knowledge-oriented education program without stress management. The efficacy was evaluated by non-parametric methods.

In both groups daytime wetting decreased while adaptive coping with daily stressors increased. Only the boys in the experimental group improved their wetting frequency during the night, maladaptive coping with illness-related stressors, and self-esteem.

Stress management training should be incorporated in patient education programs to enhance coping of children with illness-related stressors and low self-esteem.