Elimination disorders in a group of South African children

Abstract

Background: Elimination disorders are childhood behavioural disorders. In South Africa these disorders fall within a neglected field of study when compared to physical illnesses. This report serves as formative research in order to address this neglect.

Aims: To identify and summarise the clinical presentations, age and gender distribution, associated comorbid disorders and psychosocial factors in our mainly black patients from Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Methodology: One hundred and sixteen children aged 4 – 14 years with these conditions were enrolled into a descriptive prevalence or survey study over a period of three years. An interview questionnaire was explained and responses recorded, from the caregivers and subjects.

Result: There were 72 males and 44 females and their mean age at presentation was 9 years. More males suffered from encopresis only and both elimination disorders than females. There was only one female with encopresis alone. More females had enuresis than males. A greater percentage of subjects had primary enuresis as compared to encopresis, which was predominantly secondary in nature. Mental retardation, learning disability and ADHD were common comorbid conditions.

Conclusion: The prevalence of elimination disorders in children attending an outpatient paediatric facility does justify the need for a specialised elimination disorder clinic. This clinic needs to be accommodated within an ambulatory paediatric unit such as the paediatric outpatients department of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.