Pattern and Risk Factors for Nocturnal Enuresis among Children in Aseer Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Background Nocturnal enuresis is defined as persistent bed-wetting at night beyond the age of five year old. To assess the prevalence and risk factors for nocturnal enuresis in children of the Aseer region. Materials and methodsA descriptive cross-sectional survey via an online questionnaire was conducted targeting all accessible populations who are involved in childcare (5 to 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 bed-wetting-related information. ResultsThe study included 466 children, of which 145 (31.1%) complained of recurrent bedwetting. More than half of the children who experienced nocturnal enuresis were males (58.6%), and 31.7% were aged between 7-8 years, with a mean age of 5.9 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 bed-wetting at 5 years of age, and 19.3% experienced bed-wetting from 6-7 years. Also, 126 (90%) children reported bed-wetting during sleep. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, dark phobia, family troubles, and exposure to bullying were the most frequently reported risk factors. ConclusionNearly 1 out of 3 children experienced bed-wetting, which is relatively common in boys than girls. Early toilet training and a supportive parental attitude toward bed-wetting is essential to improve the childs quality of life.