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Nocturnal enuresis: economic impacts and self-esteem preliminary research results
Insights
Treating childhood bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) can be more cost-effective than not treating it, especially for frequent bedwetters. Untreated enuresis incurs significant family and societal costs, impacting children
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Health Economics
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Nocturnal enuresis affects approximately 10% of 7-year-old children globally.
- Bedwetting incurs direct and indirect economic costs for families and healthcare systems.
- Previous research has primarily focused on direct costs, neglecting indirect burdens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the total economic burden of childhood bedwetting, including indirect costs.
- To compare the costs of treated versus untreated nocturnal enuresis.
- To assess the impact of bedwetting on children's self-esteem.
Main Methods:
- A case study approach was employed in three countries: Sweden, UK, and Germany.
- Data were collected over a 3-month period.
- Questionnaires assessed children's self-perceived self-esteem and quantified direct/indirect costs.
Main Results:
- The number of wet nights per week significantly influenced overall costs due to increased laundry and treatment expenses.
- Indirect costs, such as extra housework, were considerable for affected families.
- Total costs for untreated severe nocturnal enuresis exceeded those of treatment alternatives.
Conclusions:
- The economic burden of untreated bedwetting is substantial, outweighing treatment costs.
- Nocturnal enuresis negatively impacts children's self-esteem, adding to the overall burden.
- Early intervention and treatment are recommended to mitigate economic and psychosocial impacts.
Abstract:
Bedwetting is a common complaint, affecting approximately 10% of 7-year old children in the developed world and causing an economic drain on society. Not only is the cost of nocturnal enuresis borne by the families, but also by national health services and state health insurance. Although previous studies have examined the direct costs of nocturnal enuresis, the current paper also investigates the indirect costs to some selected families, such as the extra housework that is involved. The total cost of having an enuretic child was estimated on a case study basis in five countries with results being reported here for three countries (Sweden, UK and Germany). The study considered costs over a period of 3 months, with questionnaires on self-perceived self-esteem being included for the child. The critical factors influencing overall costs were the number of wet nights per week, necessitating washing and drying, and the costs of the treatment itself. Overall, the study found that total costs of not treating enuresis in heavy bedwetters can be higher than with any of the treatment alternatives, which must be seen as an additional burden to families with a child suffering from lower self-esteem.