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Examining the effectiveness of parental strategies to overcome bedwetting: an observational cohort study

Mariusz T Grzeda1, Jon Heron1, Kate Tilling1

  • 1School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.

BMJ Open
|July 16, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Common bedwetting strategies like lifting and restricting drinks in 7½-year-olds may increase the risk of bedwetting at 9½ years. Seek professional advice for persistent bedwetting instead of ineffective home remedies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Urology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) is a common concern for parents.
  • Many strategies are employed to manage bedwetting in children.
  • The long-term effectiveness of these strategies is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of common parental strategies in reducing the risk of persistent bedwetting.
  • To determine if strategies used at 7½ years impact bedwetting at 9½ years.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 1258 children initially bedwetting at 7½ years.
  • Assessed common strategies: lifting, fluid restriction, rewards, displeasure, protection pants.
  • Analyzed risk of bedwetting at 9½ years using propensity score and multivariable regression.

Main Results:

  • Lifting and restricting drinks before bedtime were associated with an increased risk of bedwetting at 9½ years.
  • Risk differences for lifting and fluid restriction were 10.6% and 12.3% respectively.
  • Other strategies showed varied or non-significant effects on long-term bedwetting risk.

Conclusions:

  • Commonly used bedwetting interventions for 7½-year-olds are not effective in preventing bedwetting at 9½ years.
  • Parents should consult healthcare professionals for persistent nocturnal enuresis.
  • Ineffective strategies may inadvertently increase the risk of continued bedwetting.
Abstract

Keywords:
ALSPACbedwettingchildcohort studyprevention

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