Nocturnal enuresis: economic impacts and self-esteem preliminary research results.

Bedwetting is a common complaint, affecting approximately 10% of 7-year old children in the developed world and causing an economic drain on society. Not only is the cost of nocturnal enuresis borne by the families, but also by national health services and state health insurance. Although previous studies have examined the direct costs of nocturnal enuresis, the current paper also investigates the indirect costs to some selected families, such as the extra housework that is involved. The total cost of having an enuretic child was estimated on a case study basis in five countries with results being reported here for three countries (Sweden, UK and Germany). The study considered costs over a period of 3 months, with questionnaires on self-perceived self-esteem being included for the child. The critical factors influencing overall costs were the number of wet nights per week, necessitating washing and drying, and the costs of the treatment itself. Overall, the study found that total costs of not treating enuresis in heavy bedwetters can be higher than with any of the treatment alternatives, which must be seen as an additional burden to families with a child suffering from lower self-esteem.