Prevalence and associated factors of lower urinary tract dysfunction in school-aged children in Zonguldak, Turkey

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is a common issue in children. Data on the prevalence of LUTD in our country are limited. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of LUTD among children in grades 1-8 in Zonguldak, located in northwestern Turkey, using a validated voiding dysfunction scoring system.

The study included students in grades 1-8 from schools in central Zonguldak during the 2021-2022 academic year. Parents of children who were included in the study were sent a questionnaire via the Internet. Demographic information, the child's medical history, details about voiding habits, and voiding dysfunction symptom score (VDSS) information were obtained. The data from 654 students whose parents completed the survey were analyzed.

The prevalence of LUTD, daytime urinary incontinence, and nocturnal enuresis were 9.6% (n = 63), 12.4% (n = 81), and 13% (n = 85), respectively. According to the survey responses, the most common symptoms were urgency (n = 253, 39%), followed by holding maneuvers (n = 140, 21.4%). There was no significant relationship between the mother's educational level and daytime urinary incontinence (p = 0.091). Daytime urinary incontinence was more common in children of fathers with lower educational levels (p = 0.021).

This study demonstrates a high prevalence of LUTD among school-aged children. Constipation, urinary tract infections, and family history should be integral parts of the initial evaluation. Identifying the prevalence of LUTD and related risk factors in children is considered the first step in reducing and managing the number of affected children in the community.