PEDIATRICS Vol. 98 No. 3 September 1996, pp. 414-419
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Bed-wetting in US Children: Epidemiology and Related Behavior Problems

Robert S. Byrd MD, MPH1, Michael Weitzman MD1, Nancy E. Lanphear MD2, and Peggy Auinger MS1

1 Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; Rochester General Hospital, New York
2 Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; Genesee Hospital; Rochester, New York

Objective. To better understand the epidemiology and behavioral correlates of bed-wetting in a nationally representative sample of children.

Methods Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of cross-sectional data regarding 10 960 children aged 5 through 17 years from the 1981 Child Health Supplement to the National Health Interview Survey. Behavior problems were determined by extreme scores on a 32-item Behavior Problem Index (BPI, >90th percentile).

Results. Bed-wetting was reported in 33% of 5-, 18% of 8-, 7% of 11-, and 0.7% of 17-year-olds. At all ages, infrequent bed-wetting (fewer than six episodes per year) accounted for half of all reported bed-wetting. Lower age, male gender, and extreme scores on the BPI all were independently associated with both infrequent and frequent bed-wetting. Extreme scores on the BPI were more common among children with bed-wetting than those who did not wet the bed, and the risk for this was similar among children with infrequent and frequent bed-wetting (adjusted odds ratios, 1.8 and 1.7, respectively). Parentsacute perceived need for help with emotional and behavioral problems, however, was increased only among children with frequent bed-wetting.

Conclusions. Bed-wetting in children aged 5 years and older, irrespective of its frequency, is associated with increased rates of behavior problems. Thus, although infrequent bed-wetting may not warrant medical intervention, this condition should prompt health care providers to explore behavioral issues in greater depth.

Submitted on May 4, 1995
Accepted on November 3, 1995




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