The socio-demografic characteristics of enuresis nocturna in childhood

Abstract

Serhan Cimen, Ramazan Altintas, Huseyin Celik, Ahmet Camtosun

Purpose: Urinary incontinence during sleep is a common condition in children aged five years and above, defined as enuresis nocturna. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the socio-demographic characteristics of children diagnosed with enuresis and its association with etiology, diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods: 632 children diagnosed with primary enurosis nocturna were included in the study. After approval of the Ethics Committee was obtained, families of the children were interviewed and questionnaire forms were filled out retrospectively. The study was completed over a period of three months. Results: 221 (34.9%) of the 632 patients included in the study were girls and 411 (65.1%) were boys. Mean age was 8.1 (5-16) years. 96 (15.1%) children had a family history of enuresis. Frequency of enuresis was every day in 236 (37.3%) children, several days a week in 317 (50.1%) children, once a week or less in 55 (8.7%) children, and once a month or less in 24 (3.9%) children. 32 (5%) children had no siblings, while 226 (35.7%) children had 1-3 siblings and 374 (59.3%) children had more than 3 siblings. 297 (46.9%) children had received treatment previously, and 35 (11.7%) of these had undergone waking up at night, 87 (29.3%) fluid restriction, 141 (47.4%) pharmacotherapy, and 34 ( 15.6%) psychotherapy. While 324 (51.2%) families had a positive attitude toward starting medications, 308 (48.8%) families were hesitant about starting drugs because of the associateded. Conclusion: Low socio-economic level of the family, sleep disorders of the child and male gender were shown to among factors contributing to the development of enuresis.