Nocturnal Enuresis and its Treatment among Primary School Children in Calabar-Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Enuresis for most children is a source of shame and anxiety with a profound effect on self perception, relationship and school performance. Hence the study of nocturnal enuresis among primary school children in Calabar- Nigeria. Aims and objectives: This was to determine the frequency of enuresis among primary school children in Calabar and to study the treatment modalities. Study design: This was a prospective cross sectional study. A questionnaire was answered by parents of 3,230 pupils from six selected schools during the school term between January 2010 to March 2010. Results: The frequency of nocturnal enuresis was 6.7%. Enuresis frequency was higher among boys (7.3%) than girls (6.0%) though this was not statistically significant (P=0.216). Treatment methods used were medication (1.6%), water restriction (42.8%), awaking for voiding (27.3%) use of alarm bell (0.5%), herbal medication (8.0%), while 19.8% received no form of treatment. Help – seeking behavior for this condition was poor as only 2.1% of this study population ever sought medical attention for this condition. Conclusion and recommendation: The frequency of enuresis was similar to most reports in literature. Help- seeking behavior was poor. Parental education, advocacy and awareness creation on the availability of medical help for enuresis are suggested.