Nocturnal enuresis among secondary school students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Enuresis is a common problem in children. The impact upon the lives of children and their families is often underestimated.
Aim: The study was to determine the prevalence, causes and effect of enuresis among students in Port Harcourt.
Methods : A survey of junior and senior students from 2 secondary schools in Port Harcourt Local Government area was done using self-administered questionnaire.
Results: A total of 491 students between the ages of 10-21years were studied. There were 248 (50.5%) females and 243(49.5%) males. Nocturnal enuresis (NE) was reported in 124(25.3%) students; out of which 59(47.6%) had primary NE. NE was significantly more in males than in females and in those from polygamous homes(c2=7.29, df = 1, p<0.01 and c2 = 7.5, df = 1, p<0.01 respectively). There was no organic cause identified in 88 (71%) students. Non-organic causes of secondary NE include parental separation 12 (9.7%), divorce 16 (12.9%) and death in the family 4 (3.2%). Enuresis affected 75 (60.5%) of the students, as well as their parents. Fifty (40.3%) students felt embarrassed about bedwetting and in 27 (21.8%) students the parents were very angry and had to beat them. Treatment offered included prayers in 44 (35.6%) and waking at night in 15 (12.1%).
Conclusion: Enuresis is a common problem among secondary students in Port Harcourt. Secondary nocturnal enuresis is more prevalent, and stressful to both the sufferer and the parents.


Port Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 1(1) September 2006: 12-16