Pattern and risk factors for nocturnal enuresis among children in Aseer region, southwestern Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is defined as persistent bedwetting at night beyond the age of 5. To assess the prevalence and risk factors for NE in children of the Aseer region. A descriptive cross-sectional survey via an online questionnaire was conducted targeting all accessible populations who are involved in childcare (5-18 years of age) in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was circulated online using social media platforms by the research team. The questionnaire included items to address sociodemographic data of the child and the family, their medical history, and bedwetting-related information. The study included 466 children, of which 145 (31.1%) complained of recurrent bedwetting. More than half of the children who experienced NE were males (58.6%; 85), and 31.7% were aged between 7 and 8 years, with a mean age of 5.9 ± 2.4 years. A comparable proportion of fathers (59.3%) and mothers (57.9%) of the sampled children were university graduates. A total of 104 (71.7%) children started bedwetting at 5 years of age, and 19.3% experienced bedwetting from 6 to 7 years. Also, 126 (90%) children reported bedwetting during sleep. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, dark phobia, family troubles, and exposure to bullying were the most frequently reported risk factors. Nearly one out of three children experienced bedwetting, which is relatively common in boys than girls. Early toilet training and a supportive parental attitude toward bedwetting are essential to improve the child's quality of life.