Effect of mobile application-assisted education regarding urinary disorder on the quality of LIFE of affected children: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mobile-application-assisted education on lower urinary tract symptoms and continence-specific quality of life in children with urination disorders.

Materials and method

This randomized controlled study included 99 children aged 8–14 with urination disorders, divided into an intervention group (n = 50) and a control group (n = 49). The intervention group received mobile application based urotherapy, while the control group received face-to-face education. Data included Urination Disorders' Symptom Score, Pediatric Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, and bladder diaries.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of symptoms of urinary disorders, number of urinary incontinence episodes, and continence-specific quality of life levels (p > 0.05). The UDSS and PinQ scores of the children in both groups declined after the intervention (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that urotherapy education, regardless of the method (mobile application-assisted or face-to-face, alleviated lower urinary tract symptoms and improved continence-specific quality of life in children with urination disorders. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups in terms of outcomes. Therefore, we recommend that pediatric nurses consider using mobile applications as a flexible and accessible alternative to face-to-face urotherapy education for children with urination disorders, particularly when face-to-face sessions are not feasible.

Practice implications

Mobile applications can be effective alternatives to face-to-face urotherapy education in pediatric care.