[Prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in the Valencian Community. Pediatric section of the National Incontinence Survey. The EPICC Study]. / Prevalencia de la enuresis nocturna en la Comunidad Valenciana. Sección infantil del estudio nacional de incontinencia. Estudio EPICC.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the prevalence of enuresis among primary school children in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, observational, cross-sectional, epidemiologic, regional study. After sample size calculation, a total of 1687 questionnaires were sent to schools. Nocturnal enuresis was defined as <urine occurring during sleep, at least once a month>>.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of enuresis found in primary school children aged 6-11 years was 7.8%, decrease with age, and was significantly greater in boys (70%). Children without enuresis were taller and had a greater weight than those with enuresis, but the differences were not statistically significant. No differences were found in the family or educational setting between children with and without enuresis. Seventy-three percent of children with enuresis had a family history of the condition. The disorder also occurred in some sibling of 21% of children with enuresis who had siblings. Fifty-five percent of the bedwetting population had primary enuresis. Thirty-one percent of children with enuresis reported losses every night, 38% at least once a week, and 31% at least once a month. Eighty-seven percent of this population was under treatment for this condition. As regards subjective symptoms, 96.9% said they felt fine, but there were more bedwetting children who reported feeling a little bit uncomfortable (76.7% vs 23.1%; P=.004).

CONCLUSIONS:

Enuresis is a common disorder which is significantly more frequent in boys as compared to girls and whose prevalence decreases with age. It has a significant hereditary component. Most enuresis sufferers take measures against urine losses.