Prevalence of Nocturnal Enuresis among Egyptian Children Presenting at the Pediatric Outpatient Department of Ain Shams University Hospital

Abstract Background Enuresis is a common problem among children and adolescents, and can lead to important social and psychological disturbances to them and their caregivers. Objectives To determine the prevalence of primary and secondary enuresis in the children and adolescent presenting at outpatient clinic. Furthermore, we aimed to determine associated risk factors of nocturnal enuresis among enuretic children. Patients and Methods A cross- sectional study was done among 1587 Arabic fluent mothers or caregivers of children aging 6-16 years recruited from outpatient clinic, Ain Shams University, Children’s Hospital from November 2022 to July 2023. Structured questionnaires were used to assess socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors of enuretic childrens, the association between enuresis and sleep disorders by using Children Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ) and the impact of enuresis on quality of their life by using Pediatric incontinence Questionnaire (PinQ). Results This study included 1587 children in Egypt, the overall prevalence of enuresis among children age group 6 to 16 years was 21%, that consisted of 209 (62.8%) boys and 124 (37.2%) girls. This study focused on risk factors that had significant difference between enuretic and non enuretic children as family history of nocturnal enuresis (p value <0.001), change living place (p value = 0.001) and habitual use of caffeinated drinks 9.9%and sweaty drinks 22.8% were significant risk factors (p value<0.001). There was a significant difference in sleep disorder grades between two groups (p value= 0.016), Enuretic participants exhibited a slightly higher prevalence of high sleep disorder grades compared to non- enuretic individuals. There was a positive significant correlation between age and PinQ score (parents’ report) (rho= 0.177, p value<0.001). Conclusion this study conducted among 1587 children in Egypt sheds light on the prevalence of enuresis, risk factors, and impact of nocturnal enuresis on children's quality of life. Revealed that nocturnal enuresis is a significant concern, affecting 21% of the studied children, with risk factors including gender, birth order, socioeconomic status, and family history. Furthermore, there was a significant association between sleep disorders and enuresis. Notably, nocturnal enuresis was found to negatively impact children’s quality of life.