Enuresis in 6 Year Old Children and Its Related Factors

Enuresis is one of the important problems of childhood that has been associated with a wide variety of child and family problems. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of primary mono-symptomatic enuresis in 6 year old children in Yazd. In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 400 preschool children aged up to 6 years (200 boys and 200 girls), who referred to health evaluation centers from 2004 to 2005 in Yazd, were selected through cluster sampling method and were evaluated for enuresis based on the ICD-10 and DSM-IV definition. The overall prevalence of primary enuresis based on DSM-IV and ICD-10 enuresis definition were 8.25% and 15.25% which was more prevalent in boys (12.5% and 23%) than in girls (4% and 7.5%). Night snoring was seen in 18.2% of children and the snorer-ones had primary enuresis more than the non-snorers (19.2% versus 5.8%). There was no statistically significant relationship between enuresis and family history of enuresis, birth order, and parental educational level. Only 18.2% of parents referred to a physician for management of enuresis and consultation. The mean of bed-wetting was 3.2±1.8 times a week. Severe enuresis (every night a week) was observed in 30.8% of children. Snoring is a probable factor of enuresis that must be investigated and treated. Most of the enuretic children do not receive professional treatment. It is recommended to have an educational program to investigate the risk factors of enuresis and its treatment.