Parents have different perceptions of bed-wetting than children from six to 15 years of age

Abstract

Aim: Enuresis is a common childhood disorder that negatively affects children's social and psychological well-being. This study investigated the psychological and emotional problems of children in Taiwan who wet the bed between the ages of six and 15 by comparing feedback from the children, their parents and a control group.

Methods: This case study featured 93 children with primary nocturnal enuresis from enuresis clinics, and their parents, and 98 nonenuretic controls and parents from the local community. All the parents completed the Behavioural and Emotional Rating Scale (BERS) and all the children completed the Teenage Self-Concept Scale (TSCS). T-scores were used for statistical comparisons and high scores related to higher self-concept.

Results: The parents and their children displayed different perceptions of enuresis, with more behavioural and emotional problems in enuretic children. Older children and children with more severe enuresis reported more difficulties, and low maternal education was also a risk factor.

Conclusion: Parental attitudes and perceptions towards bed-wetting were different from their children's. The children's age, enuresis severity and their mothers' educational level were potential risk factors that affected well-being. Health practitioners need to facilitate communication between enuretic children and their parents in addition to monitoring their psychological well-being.

Keywords: Childhood development; Nocturnal enuresis; Parents; Perception; Psychology.