ABSTRACT
Background Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is troubling for children and their families. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of NE, its associated health problems, and the outcome of the provided management among children aged 6-18 years and to assess the impact of NE on the mental health of mothers in Northern Saudi Arabia. Methodology A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia, among children aged 6-18 years old. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire including a Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Means ± standard deviations (SDs) were used to represent quantitative data, and frequencies and percentages were used to represent qualitative data. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the association of NE with perceived stress. Results A total of 420 participants were included in this study. Nocturnal enuresis was reported in 24% of the respondents' children. Around 51% of the mothers know about the causes of NE. Nocturnal enuresis caused embarrassment and social shame to 71% of the mothers. Two-thirds (66%) of the mothers wake up the child at night for urination. Three-quarters (76%) of the participants reported improvement on decreasing fluid intake before sleeping. Of the mothers, 19% perceived low stress, 78% perceived medium stress, and 3% perceived high stress. NE was associated with a higher risk of stress (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-4.37). Conclusion About a quarter of the children suffer from NE, of which a large proportion of mothers face embarrassment and shame. There was a significant association between NE and a higher level of stress. Mothers of children with NE should be provided with counseling and social support to ensure good mental health.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological disorder and is one of the world's most prevalent non-communicable diseases. There are no recently published data on the prevalence of epilepsy in school children in Northern Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of epilepsy and to show some of its risk factors in school children and adolescents (6-18 years) in Turaif city, Northern Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Turaif city, over a 6-month period, from July 2016 to January 2017. It included pupils aged 6 to18 years in all primary, preparatory and secondary schools in Turaif city. Multi-stage sampling was employed. A designated structured questionnaire was completed for each patient and included the patient's history, clinical examination, investigations and medications. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16, using Chi-Squared test and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Out of 1,230 children, 66 (5.5%) had epilepsy; 68.2% of them were males and 31.8% females (p=0.000). Consanguinity between parents plays a significant role where 59.1% of cases had parents who were cousins (p=0.000). Family history also had a significant effect as 68.2% of cases had epilepsy cases in their families (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Epilepsy prevalence among school children (6-18 years) in Turaif city is higher in males than females. Consanguinity and positive family history are important factors. Decision makers must take effective steps to limit the causes and risk factors of the problem.
