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The short- and long-term effects of simple behavioral interventions for nocturnal enuresis in young children: a
Paula van Dommelen1, Mascha Kamphuis, Frank J M van Leerdam
1TNO Quality of Life, Department of Statistics, Leiden, The Netherlands. Paula.vanDommelen@tno.nl
Insights
Lifting a child to the toilet without a password effectively treats nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) in young children. This simple behavioral intervention showed significant short-term and long-term success rates compared to other methods.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Urology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Nocturnal enuresis is common in young children.
- Effective behavioral interventions are needed to manage bedwetting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of three simple behavioral interventions for childhood nocturnal enuresis.
- To compare these interventions against a control group.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 570 children aged 4-5 years with mono-symptomatic nocturnal enuresis.
- Interventions included: lifting to urinate with a password, lifting without a password, and a reward system.
- Participants followed interventions for 6 months or until achieving 14 consecutive dry nights, with a 3-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- After 6 months, lifting without a password significantly increased dry children (37%) compared to the control group (21%).
- At 3-year follow-up, both lifting groups showed higher dry rates (78%) than the control group (69%).
Conclusions:
- Lifting a child to urinate without a password is an effective behavioral intervention for nocturnal enuresis in 4-5 year olds.
- This method demonstrates superior short- and long-term outcomes compared to no active treatment.
Objective:
To assess the short- and long-term effects of 3 simple behavioral interventions to overcome nocturnal enuresis in young children.
Study Design:
We performed a randomized controlled trial in children aged four to five years with mono-symptomatic nocturnal enuresis (n = 570). The children were placed in one of four groups: (1) lifting to urinate and ask for a password; (2) the same as group 1, without a password; (3) using a reward system; or (4) a control group. Each participant was asked to carry out the appointed intervention for 6 months or until 14 consecutive dry nights occurred, which was the continence criterion. A follow-up was performed approximately 3 years after the study.
Results:
After 6 months, lifting the child to the toilet without the use of a password was the only intervention that resulted in significantly more dry children (37%) than the control group (21%). Three years later, both lifting groups had the highest (78%) and the control group the lowest (69%) percentage of dry children.
Conclusions:
The intervention lifting to urinate without the use of a password leads to more dry children compared with no active treatment in children aged 4 to 5 years with nocturnal enuresis.
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