Nocturnal Enuresis among School-age Children in South-eastern Nigeria: A Concealed Social Malaise
J. M. Chinawa *
College of Medicine, Department of pediatrics, University of Nigeria/University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
H. A. Obu
College of Medicine, Department of pediatrics, University of Nigeria/University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
P. C. Manyike
Federal Teaching Hospital Abakiliki, Ebonyi state, Nigeria.
O. I. Odetunde
College of Medicine, Department of pediatrics, University of Nigeria/University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: We describe the pattern of nocturnal enuresis among school–age children in South-eastern Nigerian.
Methods: A total sample size of 245 pupils was selected for the purpose of this study with age between 6 and 12 years. The Stratified method of sampling was employed to get a sample that represents the population. Selection of the two schools was done based on the cooperation and readiness of the management and parent/guardian to participate in the research.
Results: Two hundred and forty five children were enrolled for the study with 151 male (61.6%) while the female children are 94 (38.4%).The prevalence of enuresis was noted to be 22.8%.The prevalence is higher in males (60%) than 39% in females (P value <0.05) with higher incidence in lower socioeconomic background and in children with positive family history of bedwetting in the first degree relative though not significant.
Conclusions: The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in our setting is 22.8%, which is higher than that obtained in various studies elsewhere in the world with a male preponderance. There were strong association between the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis and socioeconomic background.
Keywords: Nocturnal enuresis, school-age children, Nigeria