Prevalence and Risk Factors for Enuresis in Children

Abstract

Enuresis is a significant clinical and social disorder in children with associated stigma. To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with enuresis amongst school children in Nigeria. Cross-sectional descriptive study involving public and private primary school children in a local Government area of South West Nigeria. Five primary schools (public and private) were selected through multi-stage sampling technique. A semi - structured questionnaire was administered on the parents of pupils aged 6 years to 12years old respectively. A total of 424pupils were surveyed. Overall 173(40.8%) pupils had enuresis. Prevalence of enuresis was 40.7% in private school and 41% in the public but this difference was not significant (X2 =0.003,p = 0.954). Factors significantly associated with enuresis were snoring (X2 =26.67, p = 0.001), heavy and late supper (X2 =6.831,6.389,p = 0.009, 0.01) respectively. Sibling history of bedwetting (X2=25.933, p = 0.0001), maternal history of enuresis (X2 = 22.244,p = 0.0001,) and {lack of sleep interruptions - (not been woken up to urinate) (X2=5.234,p = 0.02)were also significantly associated. Using logistic regression, maternal history, sibling history of bedwetting, snoring and heavy supper are strong determinants of bedwetting. Enuresis is a common problem among primary school pupils. Intensive public enlightenment is needed.

Key words: Enuresis, risk factors, prevalence, children, social-stigma