Relationship between elimination disorders and internalizing-externalizing problems in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Elimination disorders (ED) include enuresis, defined as wetting from 5 years, and encopresis, soiling 4 years onwards after organic causes are excluded. They highly prevalent in childhood often associated with clinically relevant comorbid psychological disorders. However, no systematic review or meta-analysis examines their co-occurrence internalizing externalizing problems children. Objectives The aim of this study is to determine if, what extent, children ED show higher than healthy peers. Methods A multistep literature search was performed database inception until May 1st, 2022. PRISMA/MOOSE-compliant (PROSPERO: CRD42022303555) were used identify studies reporting on and/or symptoms an a control (HC) group. First, provided. Second, where data allowed for it, quantitative using random effects model conducted analyze the differences between HC groups symptoms. Effect size standardized mean difference. Meta-regression analyses examine effect sex, age, quality. Funnel plots detect publication bias. Where found, trim fill method correct it. Results 36 articles included, 32 them enuresis (n=3244; age=9.4; SD=3.4; 43.84% female) 7 encopresis (n=214; age=8.6; SD=2.3; 36.24% [Image 1]. group presented significantly lower self-concept (ES:0.42; 95%CI: [0.08;9.76]; p=0.017) symptom scores thought (ES:-0.26; [-0.43;-0.09]; p=0.003), (ES:-0.20; [-0.37;-0.03]; p=0.020), attention (ES:-0.37; [-0.51;-0.22]; p=0.0001), aggressive behaviour (ES:-0.33; [-0.62;-0.04]; p=0.025) social (ES: 0.39; [-0.58;-0.21]; p=0.0001) 2]. Significant biases found across several studied domains 3]. No significant age quality score found. Image: Image 2: 3: Conclusions Children elimination disorder may have problems, well impaired self-concept. It recommendable screen provide interventions appropriate. Disclosure Interest None Declared