OBJECTIVES: to discuss perception and meanings by families to child related enuresis through a social and anthropological perspective in the context of issues identified in the explanatory models of disease. METHOD: experience report, based on semi-structured interviews performed with twenty four (24) families/caretakers of children with enuresis. RESULTS: families of patients with enuresis expressed the need of defining the disease in a subjective manner, attempting to understand it through the feelings that it unleashes, of the changes in behavior and effects caused in other people by this disease. It was determined that enuresis is grouped in two overlapping fields: the one holding the child responsible for his or her enuresis and external factors such as the family environment and economic and social situation. CONCLUSIONS: it is recommended that healthcare professionals be aware of the risk of the biomedical regulation of their speech for it interferes with the understanding and the development of adequate treatment. Healthcare professionals should be informed on the possibility of child abuse related to enuresis and the discussion of possible strategies when working with this type of patient.
Enuresis; Stereotyping; Perceptiv
