An exploratory study of perception an tolerance of noctural enuresis amongst Batswana mothers

Abstract

An exploratory study was carried out to investigate which explanations mothers commonly give for their childrens' nocturnal enuresis. The relationship between these explanations and maternal tolerance for nocturnal enuresis were investigated. The study also investigated whether maternal perception and tolerance for nocturnal enuresis have implications for mothers to seeking psychological treatment for their nocturnal enuretic children. A convenient sample of 51 Batswana mothers of nocturnal enuretic children were selected. The nocturnal enuretic children were identified according to . the diagnostic criteria of enuresis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders -III- Revised (DSM-III-R). Respondents were selected at Bophelong hospital located in Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa. The respondents either completed a questionnaire or were interviewed according - to the questionnaire items. The questionnaire was designed to collect data about maternal perceptions about causes, concerns, tolerance and management of nocturnal enuresis. The data was analyzed using test of associations in contingency tables and descriptive statistics. The main finding of this study was that mothers perceived nocturnal enuresis to be caused by heavy sleeping. They attributed the cause of nocturnal enuresis to .be global and uncontrollable by the child. Concern for extra washing and financial burden were expressed as the main negative consequence of nocturnal enuresis. The results also showed that mothers expressed intolerance for nocturnal enuresis. Maternal educational level was found not to have an influence on maternal tolerance for nocturnal enuresis and maternal concern about the negative consequences of nocturnal enuresis. This finding could be due to the fact that the sample was not representative enough with regard to their educational level, thus limiting valid comparison. Seeking psychological treatment was found to be independent of tolerance for nocturnal enuresis. The most reported management strategies were talking to the child about the problem, making the child aware of the problem and restricting fluid after dinner. Consulting a physician was the most popular means of seeking help. The implications of research findings are discussed.