Nocturnal Enuresis in Primary Schools Children (6-12 Years) of Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia

Background: Regardless of the significance and the disturbing magnitudes of NE, this problem remains under-reported in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia and comprehensive studies in this regard are considerably lacking in that region. This study aimed to discuss the prevalence and associated risk factors of NE among children in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: A cross sectional study design was adopted in Tabuk, KSA using a self-administered questionnaire for data collection distributed online on social media sites to be filled out personally. All data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed using SPSS 23.0 for windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results: The study included 431 participants. (37.4%) of children aged between six and seven years old, (32.7%) between eight and nine years old, and (17.2%) between ten and twelve years old. (58.9%) of children were males and (41.1%) females. Average frequency various from (53.8%) one time to two times per week, (31.3%) three times to four times per week, (14.8% five times to seven times per week. Enuresis was at night only in (77.5%) while (22.5%) at day or night. (64.5%) don’t seek to medical advice, while (35.5%) getting medical advice. (48.5%) of children getting behavioral therapy to treat this condition, (15.8%) exercise to strengthen bladder muscles, (14.6%) getting medical treatment, (10%) getting urination alarm, (0.5%) doing surgical intervention. There was a significant relationship between frequency per week of enuresis with mother educational level, number of family member, age of child (6-7) years old, sex of child (female), family history of nocturnal enuresis and delayed growth. Also, there was a significant relation between timing of enuresis during night or day and night with parents suffering from nocturnal enuresis, father’s education level, mother’s education level, and caring of parents to awaken the child.

Conclusion: Nocturnal enuresis associated factors and parenteral knowledge of definition and causes of it were among universal reported figures. Referral to a pediatric urologist can be indicated for children with primary enuresis refractory to standard and combination therapies, and for children with some secondary causes of enuresis, including urinary tract malformations, recurrent urinary tract infections, or neurologic disorders.