Methods and Rates of Punishment Implemented by Families to Enuretic Children in Turkey

Abstract

Purpose: Nocturnal enuresis is a serious health problem affecting a significant portion of the population. In this study, we investigated the frequency of punishment methods in nocturnal enuresis (NE) in Turkey and its relationship with other parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 501 children (301 boys and 200 girls) who were admitted to our outpatient clinic due to nocturnal enuresis were included in the study. Mean age was 9.39 years (range 5-18). Prepared questionnaire form inquiring educational status of the family, frequency and implementation and duration of punishment methods was applied to patients and families. Results: At least one punishment method was applied to 291 (58.1%) of children with NE. Punishment methods of parents were detected as condemnation (257 patients, 51.3%), depriving desires of the child (120 patients, 23.9%), humiliating the child in the presence of other children (113 patients, 22.6%), reprimanding-threatening with punishment (203 patients, 40.5%). This application was found to continue for longer than 1 year in 52% of punished children. Families graduated of high school and above were found to use punishment methods significantly more than others. Conclusion: According to the results of our study, a quite high proportion of enuretic children were detected to be exposed to punishment methods. Even, some parents consider that these methods are a part of nocturnal enuresis treatment. We, the doctors, should endeavor more for raising awareness of the community in order to diminish this worrisome behavior.

Enuresis and Punishment: The Adverse Effects on Child Development and on Treatment

“…The maternal education level was found to be correlated more significantly than the paternal educational level (p < 0.05). However, it was seen that while parents who were high school graduates or above applied mostly mild punishment methods, parents whose educational level was lower applied more severe punishment methods [13]. The contrast with the literature data could be explained with the higher mean educational and social level of our families considered the sample group.…”

“…In another study, the authors reported that at least one punishment method had been applied to 58.1% of children with NE [13]. Families that applied punishment methods and declared that this was done constantly amounted to 69.5%.…”

“…Families that applied punishment methods and declared that this was done constantly amounted to 69.5%. It should be kept in mind that the application of these punishment methods could lead to guilt and reduction in self-confidence in children [13]. …”

“…After clinical evaluation, questionnaire forms prepared for this purpose were filled out by the families of children who complained of NE (table 1) [13]. Parental education level, applied punishment methods and frequency and duration of application were inquired with this questionnaire.…”

Motivation Therapy in Children with Primary Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis

“…Most of the time, it causes worry and anxiety which leads to various social and psychological problems. Behaviors that reach the limit of expressing anger, threatening and punishing are observed (2,21). Quite many anger and punishment approaches were observed in the families of our patients.…”