Prevalence of Nocturnal Enuresis Among Children Dwelling in Rural Areas of Sindh

Introduction Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is usually a condition of childhood and refers to involuntary urinary incontinence during sleep. Due to its impact on a child's mental and social health, it is important to determine the prevalence of this condition among a population. Therefore, the aim of our study is to evaluate its prevalence and associated risk factors among children living in rural areas of Sindh province, Pakistan. Methods Fifteen-hundred children aged between three and 12 years of age who lived in rural areas of Sindh and visited a tertiary care hospital for various complaints were selected at random. Their parents were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding the symptoms and risk factors of NE. The data were gathered over a period of three months, starting from June 2019 to August 2019. The data were then analyzed to draw associations between the findings. Results Out of the total 1500 participants, 570 (38%) were male and the remaining 930 (62%) were female. Among these, the majority with NE were males (70%) and children between the age of six and seven years (65%). The first and fourth to fifth born were more likely to develop symptoms of NE. There was also a positive association between family history (P=0.003), delayed milestones (0.001), psychological problems (0.005), and urinary tract infection (P=0.001). However, a child suffering from chronic illness, parasitic infection, or anemia did not have a significant relationship with developing NE. Conclusion The total prevalence of NE among rural areas was 40%, which was higher than in urban areas. This could be due to limited awareness among parents and limited healthcare facilities to manage the condition in rural areas. However, it is important to identify the symptoms of NE earlier among children to reduce the impact it leaves on them.