Nocturnal enuresis in normal Jamaican children: implications for therapy

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis has been investigated in 477 children (243 boys, 234 girls) attending government Basic Schools in Kingston, Jamaica. Enuresis, defined as wet at least 2 nights a week, occurred in 62 percent, 48 percent, 42 percent and 40 percent at 2, 3, 4 and 5 years of age, respectively. Enuresis, defined as wet at least one night a month, occurred in 68 percent, 58 percent, 53 percent and 52 percent, respectively. There was no significant difference between the sexes. Children with a family history of enuresis (first degree relatives wet beyound 8 years of age) were more likely to be enuretic than those with no family history, the difference reaching statistical significance for girls (<0.001) and for the sexes combined (p <0.001) but not for boys alone (p=0.06). The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in Jamaican children is higher than reported for Black children elsewhere, which in turn is higher than in their White counterparts. Cultural attitudes to bed-wetting contribute to this variation and have implications for choice of therapy, both in Jamaica and elsewhere. (AU)