Severiy level of enuresis among children and adolscents in Ado-Odo, Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria.

Abstract

Nocturnal enuresis habitually called bedwetting is said to be a highly prevalent health condition in children and adolescents but the impact of enuresis is often taken too lightly. Around the world today 15 % of children are affected. Enuresis is socially stigmatizing and can affect quality of life. Parents and families are equally frequently stressed about the condition. The knowledge of nocturnal enuresis and its severity will help to promote effective management. The aim of the study was to determine the severity of nocturnal enuresis among children and adolescents in Ota, Ogun state. The objectives are to assess frequency, history and parental perception about the condition. A crossectional community based study was conducted among 141 children in AdoOdo, Ota local government area within the age range of 6-18 years. Self-administered two-section questionnaire was designed to assess demographic data, frequency of bedwetting, behavioral pattern, emotional stressor, parent's history, and previous attempt at treatment among others. The collected data was analysed using data tabulation (frequency distributions & percent distributions). The presence of enuresis among the children was 29 %. Enuresis was more in females (53.66 %) compared to males (46.34 %). There was a decrease in prevalence of enuresis with increasing age group (6-9 years was 52.4 %, 10-13 years was 33.3 % and 14-17 years was 14.3 %). History of nocturnal enuresis among parents and siblings was found to be 75.61 % and 57.10 % respectively. A higher percentage (90.24 %) of parents punishes their children for bedwetting. None of the mothers of the enuretic children had complication during pregnancy or at childbirth. Enuresis is a highly common childhood complaint. Genetics could be a leading factor for the occurrence nocturnal enuresis, but complication during pregnancy and childbirth is not. There is need to create awareness and educate parents and families about enuresis and the treatment options available.