Treatment Options for Primary Nocturnal Enuresis by Parents in a Nigerian Community

Abstract

Background: Primary nocturnal enuresis is a common childhood condition that affects children of all cultures worldwide. Effective treatments for primary nocturnal enuresis are readily available in Nigeria; however, some studies reveal that majority of sufferers are not taken for medical consultation as a treatment option.
Objective: To determine the treatment options undertaken by Nigerian parents for primary nocturnal enuresis.
Methodology: Self-administered semi-structured questionnaire, completed by parents of children in public primary and secondary schools in Egor local government area, Edo State.
Results: Of the 228 children with primary nocturnal enuresis, majority of their parents 180 (79.0%) had employed various treatment options in attempting to achieve dryness in their children. The most common treatment option was waking up child at intervals during the night to void by 103 (45.2%) parents, punishment (which comprised of shaming, flogging and verbal insults) employed by 61 (26.8%) parents and traditional medication by 18 (7.9%) parents. Only 35 (15.4%) sought medical treatment for their children. Amongst these children, majority had severe nocturnal enuresis and a positive family history of enuresis.
Conclusion: Treatment of primary nocturnal enuresis is largely by families using simple behavioral measures, punitive measures and unorthodox medications. Medical treatment was not sought by majority of the parents because of their belief that bedwetting is a natural childhood process that would spontaneously resolve. These findings reveal the need to enlighten Nigerian parents about nocturnal enuresis; its treatment and the importance of and when to seek medical help.