Frequency of Enuresis, Constipation and Enuresis Association with Constipation in a Group of School Children Aged 5-9 Years in Malatya, Turkey

Authors: SEMA UĞURALP, LEYLA KARAOĞLU, ABDURRAHMAN KARAMAN, MEHMET DEMİRCAN, CENGİZ YAKINCI

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of enuresis, constipation and enuresis associated with constipation in school children aged 5-9 years living in Malatya Municipality, Turkey. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. All elementary schools in Malatya Municipality with kindergarten and preparatory classes took part in the study. All parents of the children aged 5-9 years enrolled in these schools were given a questionnaire. Completion of the questionnaire was voluntary. Of the parents, 1377 completed the questionnaire and these were evaluated. Overall enuresis frequency was 9.5%. Enuresis frequency was significantly higher among boys (11.2%) compared to girls (7.7%) (P < 0.05). Among children aged 9 years, enuresis frequency (3.9%) was significantly lower than in younger age groups (P < 0.05). The frequency of constipation was 12.4%. The frequency of the association of enuresis with constipation was 21.6%. The frequency of enuresis in Malatya is similar to that in the literature. It was found that about 1 in 4 enuretic children had constipation, and so seeking a constipation history in enuretic children is strongly suggested.

Keywords: Enuresis, constipation, prevalence, children

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