Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, socio-demographic correlates and associated psychopathology in children with enuresis. METHODS: A community survey of a stratified sample of 400 6-16 year old school children was carried out in the Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. Psychiatric disturbance, if any, was ascertained using the Rutter Parent Scale. RESULTS: Thirty-two out of the 400 children (8%) surveyed, reported wetting the bed at least once per week. More boys were affected than girls, and 90% of those with enuresis were aged 6-11 years. Presence of enuresis was found to be associated with psychosocial stress in the family; large family size; a positive family history, poorer scholastic performance and presence of psychiatric disturbance as indicated by the Rutter parent score. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that bed-wetting is a common problem among school children and that they need to be carefully screened for associated psychopathology.
Article Type
Research Article
First Page
49
Last Page
51
Recommended Citation
Eapen, Valsamma and Mabrouk, Abdulazim M.
(2003)
"Prevalence and correlates of nocturnal enuresis in the United Arab Emirates,"
Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 24:
Iss.
1, Article 11.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.1934