Introduction: Enuresis involves involuntary emptying of the bladder at night, completely orpartially, from five years of age. If it occurs twice or more/week for at least three months and it causes suffering, the diagnosis is enuresis. Enuresis is divided into primary and secondary enuresis.In the past, enuresis was interpreted as a psychiatric symptom. Today, psychological disorders are seen as secondary to enuresis. Aim: The purpose of this literature study was to describe the quality of life of children and adolescents with enuresis. Method: A literature study was performed to compile the current state of knowledge regarding quality of life in connection with enuresis. Scientific articles for the study has been searched via PubMed and Cinahl. Results: The results were put together under four of WHO’s six themes, physical health/ psychological health/independence/ social relationships. These are linked to quality of life. As well as a fifth theme emerged from the analysis of the scientific articles, cultural aspects. Children and adolescents with enuresis experienced their life situation mainly as having poor self-esteem, after that it affected mental health, body image, independence, family and social interaction. Conclusion: This literaturestudy demonstrated that children and adolescents were influenced by the quality of life of their enuresis. Among other things, related to social relations, where the boys experienced a greater impact on the quality of life than the girls. In particular, adolescents experienced a worse quality oflife than the younger children, affecting self-esteem. In the clinical activity, it is necessary as apediatric nurse to take into account the experiences and feelings of children and adolescents regarding the daily life of enuresis, in order to achieve optimal enuresis treatment and thus increase their quality of life.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Linköping : Univ., 2002. / Härtill 5 uppsatser. År 2005 tilldelat nummer i serien Linköping studies in arts and science.