Effect of nocturnal enuresis on school-age children and their families in Thailand: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a chronic problem that causes distress in children and their families. NE affects daily living activities, relationships, behavior, emotions, and social interactions. However, data on the effects of NE on Thai children are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NE and the associated factors on children with NE and their parents or guardians.

Methods: A cross-sectional study included 349 children with primary NE and 246 with secondary NE, all from Bangkok, Thailand. Their parents or guardians completed a validated questionnaire and rated the severity of the effects of NE on a Likert scale.

Results: Of the children with primary NE, 30.9 % rated it as not affecting them at all, 28.7 % as affecting them slightly, and 18.9 % as affecting them moderately. Of those with secondary NE, 36.2 % rated it as affecting them slightly, 28.9 % as not affecting them at all, and 18.3 % as affecting them moderately. Primary (32.1 %) and secondary NE (39.8 %) had the most effect on children's confidence. Primary and secondary NE affected 61.6 % and 60.2 % of parents or guardians, respectively, through the increased burden of housework from washing bedsheets.

Conclusion: NE demonstrated slight effects on children with NE and their parents or guardians. In the children, NE most affected their self-confidence, and in the parents and guardians, NE increased the burden of housework. In managing NE, physicians should evaluate its adverse effects on children and their parents or guardians.