PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF NOCTURNAL ENURESIS AMONG CHILDREN AGED 5-18 YEARS IN ALBAHA REGION, SAUDI...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Urology

Background:

• Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a common pediatric condition with multifactorial causes.
• It is often underreported and inadequately managed.
• This study investigated NE prevalence, risk factors, and management in a specific child population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in children aged 5-18.
• To identify associated risk factors for NE.
• To assess current management patterns and treatment effectiveness for NE.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 603 children aged 5-18 years.
• Data collected via parental questionnaires on demographics, health, sleep, and enuresis.
• Statistical analysis performed to identify significant risk factors (p<0.05).

Main Results:

• The prevalence of NE was 35.0%.
• Significant risk factors included mode of delivery (p=0.027) and prematurity (p=0.007), with 70.6% NE in premature births before 7 months.
• 42.2% of enuretic children experienced wetting 2-4 times weekly; 60.2% had primary NE. Family history (28.5%) and high pre-sleep fluid intake (64.9%) were noted. Management was attempted by 68.2% of parents, but only 47.9% found it effective.

Conclusions:

• Nocturnal enuresis is prevalent and associated with delivery mode and gestational age.
• Despite frequent attempts at management, treatment effectiveness is often limited.
• Increased awareness and access to evidence-based strategies are crucial for affected families.