ABSTRACT

In this study, we aimed to investigate the factors associated with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE), as well as the socio-demographic characteristics and treatment modalities of children diagnosed with MNE.

Data were recorded on age, gender, frequency of nocturnal bedwetting, diurnal enuresis history, constipation, encopresis, history of urinary tract infection, number of siblings, familial history of enuresis, sleep habits, school performance status, income level of the family, education level of the parents, and treatment methods.

A total of 60 patients participated in the study; 36 (60%) were male and 24 (40%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 8.9±2.8 years. The average number of bedwetting days per week was 4.8±2.5 days. The average number of siblings was 4.2±2.4. Thirty-four (56.7%) patients had a history of deep sleep. In 95% of cases, patients had a family history of enuresis. Of patients in the study, 81.7% were from low-income families and 65% of the mothers were educated to primary school level or less. The treatment modalities applied to these patients were Desmopressin (11.7%), Imipramine (1.7%), and fluid restriction (13.3%). Twenty-five (41.7%) mothers thought that enuresis would decrease with advancing age, whereas 11 (18.3%) mothers worried that this condition may be permanent. Twenty-nine (48.3%) mothers believed that the medications would have an infertility effect on the children. Only five (8.3%) mothers had information about the alarm treatment.

Although MNE is a common problem in childhood which leads to behavioral problems and decreased school performance, we observed a very low rate of MNE-related applications to the clinics. Considering the socio-demographic characteristics of these families, we believe there should be greater efforts to raise awareness of enuresis, its potential to lead to future problems and that it is a problem that should be treated.