Prevalence and correlates of nocturnal enuresis in the United Arab Emirates

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.