Prevalence of Nocturnal Enuresis and Factors Associated with Wet-Night Frequency among Children Attending Four Pediatric Hospitals in Baghdad, 2025 ()
1. Introduction
Nocturnal enuresis (NE), commonly known as bedwetting, affects children and adolescents worldwide [1]. It may impair emotional well-being, self-esteem, social participation, academic functioning, and quality of life, while also placing stress on families [2]. Enuresis refers to repeated voiding into bed or clothes in a child who has reached an age at which bladder control is developmentally expected [3]. For research purposes, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) requires a developmental age of at least five years, clinically significant distress or impairment or a frequency of at least twice weekly for three consecutive months, and exclusion of substance effects or another medical condition [4].
Enuresis is often underreported, and many parents do not perceive it as a condition requiring medical care [5]. Prevalence estimates vary according to age, study design, diagnostic definition, and cultural context. Approximately 10% - 20% of five-year-old children may be affected, with prevalence decreasing to about 1% - 3% by adolescence [3] [6]. Some studies report higher prevalence among boys, particularly at younger ages [3].
NE is multifactorial. Reported associated factors include age, sex, family history, urinary tract infection, stressful events, constipation, sleep problems, socioeconomic conditions, and behavioral or emotional difficulties [3] [6] [7].
Regional estimates also vary, including 10.2% in Iran [8], 18% in Egypt [9], and 30.5% in a referral continence clinic in Abu Dhabi [10]. Local hospital-based estimates may help clinicians recognize the burden among children attending care, although they cannot provide a population estimate for all children in Baghdad.
2. Aim of the Study
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis among children aged 5 - 15 years attending selected pediatric clinics and to identify factors associated with wet-night frequency among affected children.
3. Objectives of the Study
1) To estimate the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis among children aged 5 - 15 years attending the selected pediatric clinics.
2) To identify the demographic and sociodemographic profile of patients with nocturnal enuresis.
3) To evaluate medical and physiological factors, including family history and underlying health conditions, and psychological and behavioral factors, such as stress, anxiety, and sleep patterns, linked to nocturnal enuresis.
4) To evaluate factors associated with wet-night frequency among children with nocturnal enuresis.
4. Patients and Methods
4.1. Study Design and Settings
A hospital-based cross-sectional study with an analytic component was conducted from 2 January to 31 August 2025. Data were obtained from caregivers of children aged 5 - 15 years attending four high-volume pediatric hospitals in Baghdad. Two hospitals were in Al-Rusafa: Children Welfare Teaching Hospital/Medical City and Ibn Al-Balady Children and Maternity Hospital. Two were in Al-Karkh: Al-Kadhimiya Hospital for Children and the Central Teaching Hospital of Pediatrics.
4.2. Ethical Issues
Following approval by the Ethical and Scientific Council of the Arab Board of Health Specializations in Iraq, the study was conducted in compliance with established ethical standards. All required permissions were secured, and informed consent was obtained from caregivers before face-to-face interviews. Consent was given verbally. A note on all data collection forms explained the significance of the study, the voluntary nature of participation, and the confidentiality of participant information.
4.3. Study Population
The screened population consisted of caregivers of children aged 5 - 15 years attending pediatric, psychiatric, and urological consultation clinics at the four selected hospitals. Each caregiver represented one unique child.
4.4. Sampling Technique
A non-probability, consecutive clinic-based sampling method was used. During eligible clinic sessions, caregivers were approached consecutively and screened for nocturnal enuresis. Repeat visits were identified and excluded by matching the child’s name in the data-collection record. No eligible caregiver declined participation. Detailed questionnaire data were collected only for children meeting the nocturnal-enuresis criteria; therefore, analyses of associated factors concern wet-night frequency among cases rather than the occurrence of enuresis.
4.4.1. Inclusion Criteria
All consecutively approached caregivers of children aged 5 - 15 years were asked whether the child experienced nocturnal enuresis. In total, 1087 unique children were screened, and 252 met the study criteria. No eligible caregiver declined screening or participation. Face-to-face interviews were then conducted with the caregivers of affected children.
4.4.2. Exclusion Criteria
1) Children with severe behavioral or cognitive disorders.
2) Children with neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy, or congenital bladder abnormalities.
3) Children with bladder or urethral abnormalities requiring surgical intervention.
4.4.3. Diagnosis of Nocturnal Enuresis
The diagnosis was operationalized using the DSM-5-TR framework [4]. The questionnaire confirmed that the child was at least five years old, that involuntary urination occurred during sleep, that the symptom frequency was at least twice weekly or caused clinically relevant concern, and that symptoms had persisted for at least three consecutive months. The interview also recorded wet nights per week, overall symptom duration, daytime wetting, and the duration of any previous dry period. Diagnosis and exclusion of neurological, congenital urological, or other relevant medical causes were confirmed by a specialist pediatrician or pediatric neurologist.
Primary enuresis was defined as no previous dry period lasting at least six months. Secondary enuresis was defined as recurrence after a dry period of at least six months, according to ICCS terminology [6]. Children were also described as having night-only or combined day-and-night wetting. A complete ICCS daytime lower urinary tract symptom inventory was not included in the questionnaire; therefore, reliable classification as monosymptomatic or non-monosymptomatic enuresis was not possible.
4.5. The Questionnaire
The study questionnaire was developed by the researcher following a comprehensive review of relevant literature and previous research. Its content was refined with input from eight specialists: Dr. Riyadh Al-Jubouri and Dr. Iman Adnan Falah (community physicians); Dr. Lujain Anwar and Dr. Lamyaa Ali (family physicians); Dr. Naseef Jassim and Dr. Mushtaq Talib (psychiatrists); Dr. Nariman Fahmi (pediatric nephrologist); and Dr. Taha Kareem (urologist). The questionnaire consisted of five domains.
4.5.1. Demographic and Sociological Characteristics of the Family
This domain included 10 questions: caregiver, caregiver age, caregiver occupation, parents’ living status, number of siblings, father’s educational level, mother’s educational level, presence of a younger sibling born after the involved child, family history of the problem and its relationship, and parental consanguinity.
4.5.2. Information about the Child and Associated Factors
This domain included 10 questions: the child’s age, sex, birth order, chronic disease, drug history, congenital anomalies, pinworm infestation, chronic constipation, previous surgery, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
4.5.3. Features of the Complaint: Physiological and Medical Factors
This domain included questions about recurrent urinary tract infections, nighttime consumption of fluids or juicy foods, daytime thirst, excessive daytime urination, number of wet nights per week, timing of involuntary urination, period of dryness, and duration of the problem. Frequency responses were always, most of the time, sometimes, rarely, or never, where applicable.
4.5.4. Impact on the Child and Family: Psychological and Behavioral
Factors
This domain included sleep regularity, sleep continuity, nightmares, school enrollment, school bullying, school performance, the child’s emotional reactions, and effects on parents and family. Possible child reactions included calmness, nervousness, anxiety, hesitation, aggression, hyperactivity, antisocial behavior, shyness, sadness, and fear. Family effects included physical exhaustion, psychological impact, financial impact, or no effect.
Sleep continuity referred to continuous or intermittent sleep. Sleep regularity measured consistency of sleep and waking times from day to day. Psychological stress referred to family feelings related to the child’s sadness, anxiety, fear, or embarrassment. Physical exhaustion referred to caregiver fatigue from washing clothes and bedding, changing clothes, and bathing the child after each episode.
4.5.5. Family Approach to Management
This domain included whether the family had visited a doctor, reduced fluid intake before sleep, awakened the child every two hours to urinate, used a urination alarm, or used medical treatment and the type of treatment. Families were also asked how they dealt with the problem, including punishment, reassurance, motivation, or no specific response.
4.6. Outcome Assessment
4.6.1. Prevalence of Nocturnal Enuresis
The proportion of children within the specified age range who experienced nocturnal enuresis, as reported by parents during face-to-face interviews, among all children attending the clinic on the relevant day.
4.6.2. Associated Factors
Identification of demographic, sociological, and medical factors associated with wet-night frequency among children with nocturnal enuresis.
4.6.3. Impact on Children and Families
Evaluation of how nocturnal enuresis affected the child’s well-being and daily life, including psychological and social consequences, and the emotional and practical effects on the family.
4.6.4. Coping Mechanisms
Assessment of how families managed and responded to nocturnal enuresis, including treatments or interventions attempted and their perceived effectiveness.
4.7. Pilot Study
A pilot study was conducted from 1 to 15 February to assess the reliability of the study instrument. It involved 25 parents from the Central Teaching Hospital of Pediatrics, who were excluded from the main study sample. Their children met the same eligibility criteria as the original sample. Questionnaire reliability was evaluated through a test-retest procedure. The pilot assessed the clarity and adequacy of the study instrument, estimated the time needed to answer the questions, which was no more than 15 minutes, and assessed instrument reliability.
4.8. Statistical Analysis
Continuous variables were summarized as means and standard deviations, while categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Group differences were examined using one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s chi-square test, or Fisher’s exact test with Monte Carlo estimation when expected cell counts were small. The prevalence estimate was reported with a 95% Wilson confidence interval.
Wet-night frequency was categorized as two or fewer nights per week, more than two nights per week but not every night, or every night. Adjusted associations were assessed using multinomial logistic regression, with two or fewer wet nights as the reference outcome. The prespecified covariates were child age, caregiver age, sibling number, paternal education, maternal education, and ADHD. Because only five mothers had completed secondary school, secondary education and college/institution education or higher were combined. Sibling number was entered as four or more versus fewer than four. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs), 95% confidence intervals, and P values were reported. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. IBM SPSS Statistics version 26 was used for the initial analyses, and the adjusted analysis and independent validation were conducted in Python using reproducible maximum-likelihood estimation.
5. Results
A total of 1087 caregivers, each representing one unique child, were screened. No eligible caregiver declined participation, and duplicate visits were excluded. Of the screened children, 252 had nocturnal enuresis, giving a prevalence of 23.18% (95% CI, 20.77% - 25.78%) among children attending the selected pediatric clinics (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Prevalence of nocturnal enuresis among children aged 5 - 15 years attending the selected pediatric clinics (N = 1087).
Among the 252 participants, the mean caregiver age was 34.5 ± 7.0 years. The largest age group was 30 - 39 years, including 129 (51.2%) caregivers. Most caregivers were mothers, 198 (78.6%), and 175 (69.4%) were housewives. Most children lived with both parents in the same household, 230 (91.3%), and 146 (57.9%) had 1 - 3 siblings. Among fathers, 113 (44.8%) had completed primary education; among mothers, 116 (46.0%) had completed primary education. Most families reported no consanguinity, 139 (55.2%), as shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Sociodemographic characteristics of affected children and their families (N = 252).
Characteristic |
Category |
n |
% |
Caregiver |
Mother |
198 |
78.6 |
|
Father |
51 |
20.2 |
|
Other relative |
3 |
1.2 |
Caregiver age, years Mean
34.5 ± 7.0 |
<30 |
62 |
24.6 |
|
30 - 39 |
129 |
51.2 |
|
40 - 49 |
55 |
21.8 |
|
≥50 |
6 |
2.4 |
Caregiver occupation |
Housewife |
175 |
69.4 |
|
Government employee |
44 |
17.5 |
|
Private employee |
2 |
0.8 |
|
Retired |
3 |
1.2 |
|
Business owner |
2 |
0.8 |
|
Unemployed |
1 |
0.4 |
|
Other/not reported |
25 |
9.9 |
Living status |
Both parents |
230 |
91.3 |
|
One parent; other deceased |
12 |
4.8 |
|
One parent; separated |
10 |
4.0 |
Number of siblings |
None |
8 |
3.2 |
|
1 - 3 |
146 |
57.9 |
|
≥4 |
98 |
38.9 |
Father’s education |
Illiterate |
74 |
29.4 |
|
Primary |
113 |
44.8 |
|
Secondary |
18 |
7.1 |
|
College/institution or higher |
47 |
18.7 |
Mother’s education |
Illiterate |
98 |
38.9 |
|
Primary |
116 |
46.0 |
|
Secondary |
5 |
2.0 |
|
College/institution or higher |
33 |
13.1 |
Consanguinity |
None |
139 |
55.2 |
|
First-degree relative |
47 |
18.7 |
|
Second-degree relative |
44 |
17.5 |
|
Distant relative |
22 |
8.7 |
A family history of enuresis was reported in 150 (59.5%) children. The most common family history was on the father’s side, 49 (19.4%), followed by siblings, 42 (16.7%). A history in both parental families was reported in only nine (3.6%), as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3.
Figure 2. Reported family history of nocturnal enuresis among affected children (N = 252).
Among the 252 children, the mean age was 8.9 ± 3.0 years. Males accounted for 127 (50.4%) and females for 125 (49.6%). The largest proportion was first-born children, 69 (27.4%). A younger sibling born after the involved child was present in 147 (58.3%), as shown in Table 2.
Figure 3. Family members reported to have had nocturnal enuresis among children with a positive family history (N = 150).
Table 2. Demographic characteristics of children with nocturnal enuresis (N = 252).
Characteristic |
Category |
n |
% |
Child age, years Mean 8.9 ± 3.0 |
5 - 8 |
127 |
50.4 |
|
9 - 12 |
87 |
34.5 |
|
13 - 15 |
38 |
15.1 |
Sex |
Male |
127 |
50.4 |
|
Female |
125 |
49.6 |
Birth order |
First |
69 |
27.4 |
|
Second |
61 |
24.2 |
|
Third |
59 |
23.4 |
|
Fourth or later |
63 |
25.0 |
Younger sibling born within 5 years |
Present |
147 |
58.3 |
|
Not present |
105 |
41.7 |
Most children were free from chronic illness, 224 (88.88%), and 231 (91.7%) were not taking medications that might affect the urinary system. Congenital anomalies were identified in 12 children (4.8%), including inguinal hernia (0.8%), atrial septal defect (0.4%), blindness (0.4%), and other unspecified anomalies (2.7%).
Pinworm infestation was present in 49 children (19.4%), while chronic constipation was noted in 27 (10.7%). Twenty-seven children had undergone previous surgery. The most frequently reported procedures included tonsillectomy (1.6%), bilateral orchiopexy (0.8%), cystocele repair (0.8%), hernia repair (0.8%), and tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy (0.8%), with other procedures reported in 5.1%. ADHD was reported in nine children (3.6%), as shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Medical and surgical characteristics of children with nocturnal enuresis (N = 252).
Characteristic |
Present, n (%) |
Absent, n (%) |
History of chronic disease |
28 (11.1%) |
224 (88.9%) |
Medication affecting the urinary system |
21 (8.3%) |
231 (91.7%) |
Congenital anomaly |
12 (4.8%) |
240 (95.2%) |
Pinworm infestation |
49 (19.4%) |
203 (80.6%) |
Chronic constipation |
27 (10.7%) |
225 (89.3%) |
Previous surgery |
27 (10.7%) |
225 (89.3%) |
ADHD |
9 (3.6%) |
243 (96.4%) |
Regarding wet nights per week, 139 (55.2%) children experienced enuresis every night, 60 (23.8%) had more than two wet nights but not every night, and 53 (21.0%) had two or fewer wet nights. Involuntary urination occurred only at night in 222 (88.1%), while 30 (11.9%) had both daytime and nighttime wetting. A total of 219 (86.9%) had never achieved dryness, 13 (5.2%) had previously been dry for less than six months, and 20 (7.9%) had been dry for at least six months. Accordingly, 232 (92.1%) were classified as primary and 20 (7.9%) as secondary enuresis. Eighty-nine (35.3%) never had recurrent urinary tract infections. Nighttime fluid intake was common, with 101 (40.1%) always consuming fluids at night. Daytime thirst occurred most of the time in 84 (33.3%), while excessive daytime urination occurred most of the time in 61 (24.2%). Symptoms had lasted more than four years in 131 (52.0%), as shown in Table 4.
Table 4. Clinical presentation and timing of nocturnal enuresis (N = 252).
Characteristic |
Category |
n |
% |
Wet nights per week |
Every night |
139 |
55.2 |
|
>2 nights, not every night |
60 |
23.8 |
|
≤2 nights |
53 |
21.0 |
Timing of wetting |
Night only |
222 |
88.1 |
|
Day and night |
30 |
11.9 |
Previous dry period |
Never dry |
219 |
86.9 |
|
<6 months |
13 |
5.2 |
|
≥6 months |
20 |
7.9 |
Enuresis type by dry-period history |
Primary |
232 |
92.1 |
|
Secondary |
20 |
7.9 |
Recurrent urinary tract infection |
Always |
9 |
3.6 |
|
Most of the time |
60 |
23.8 |
|
Sometimes |
32 |
12.7 |
|
Rarely |
62 |
24.6 |
|
Never |
89 |
35.3 |
Nighttime fluid intake |
Always |
101 |
40.1 |
|
Most of the time |
73 |
29.0 |
|
Sometimes |
29 |
11.5 |
|
Rarely |
42 |
16.7 |
|
Never |
7 |
2.8 |
Daytime thirst |
Always |
56 |
22.2 |
|
Most of the time |
84 |
33.3 |
|
Sometimes |
59 |
23.4 |
|
Rarely |
41 |
16.3 |
|
Never |
12 |
4.8 |
Excessive daytime urination |
Always |
56 |
22.2 |
|
Most of the time |
61 |
24.2 |
|
Sometimes |
37 |
14.7 |
|
Rarely |
58 |
23.0 |
|
Never |
40 |
15.9 |
Duration of enuresis |
<6 months |
21 |
8.3 |
|
6 months - 1 year |
35 |
13.9 |
|
>1 - 2 years |
28 |
11.1 |
|
>2 - 4 years |
37 |
14.7 |
|
>4 years |
131 |
52.0 |
Among the children, 64 (25.4%) were younger than six years. Of 188 school-aged children, 180 (95.7%) were enrolled in school and eight (4.3%) were not. Among the 180 enrolled children, 99 (55.0%) had good, 56 (31.1%) intermediate, and 25 (13.9%) poor academic performance. Bullying responses were valid for 178 enrolled children; 23 (12.9%) reported bullying and 155 (87.1%) did not. Two bullying entries contained inapplicable response categories and were excluded from that percentage calculation (Table 5).
Table 5. School enrollment, performance, and bullying among affected children.
Characteristic |
Category |
n |
% |
School enrollment among school-aged children (N = 188) |
Enrolled |
180 |
95.7 |
|
Not enrolled |
8 |
4.3 |
Academic performance among enrolled children (N = 180) |
Good |
99 |
55.0 |
|
Intermediate |
56 |
31.1 |
|
Poor |
25 |
13.9 |
Bullying among valid responses (N = 178) |
Yes |
23 |
12.9 |
|
No |
155 |
87.1 |
Regarding sleep regularity, 121 (48.0%) had regular sleep most of the time. Continuous sleep was always reported in 109 (43.3%), whereas only nine (3.6%) rarely had continuous sleep. Most children, 171 (67.9%), never experienced nightmares, as shown in Table 6.
Table 6. Sleep characteristics of children with nocturnal enuresis (N = 252).
Characteristic |
Category |
n |
% |
Sleep regularity |
Always regular |
57 |
22.6 |
|
Regular most of the time |
121 |
48.0 |
|
Sometimes regular |
15 |
6.0 |
|
Rarely regular |
27 |
10.7 |
|
Irregular |
32 |
12.7 |
Sleep continuity |
Always continuous |
109 |
43.3 |
|
Continuous most of the time |
99 |
39.3 |
|
Sometimes continuous |
15 |
6.0 |
|
Rarely continuous |
9 |
3.6 |
|
Intermittent |
20 |
7.9 |
Nightmares |
Always |
4 |
1.6 |
|
Most of the time |
18 |
7.1 |
|
Sometimes |
25 |
9.9 |
|
Rarely |
34 |
13.5 |
|
Never |
171 |
67.9 |
The behavioral responses of the 252 children with enuresis were diverse. Figure 4 presents the frequency spectrum of emotional states among children coping with enuresis.
Figure 4. Emotional reactions of children to enuresis (N = 252); children may have had more than one emotional reaction.
The impact of enuresis on parents and family dynamics was substantial. Psychological stress was reported by 133 (52.8%) families, while nine (3.6%) reported financial effects, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. Effects of nocturnal enuresis on parents and families (N = 252).
Family reactions to wet nights varied. Most families, 145 (57.5%), reassured the child. However, 40 (15.9%) reported verbal punishment and eight (3.2%) used physical punishment. Motivational strategies were reported by 14 (5.6%), while 45 (17.9%) reported no specific response, as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Family reactions to children’s wet nights (N = 252).
Table 7. Family management of nocturnal enuresis (N = 252).
Family management approach |
Yes/recalled |
No/not recalled |
Sought medical consultation |
77 (30.6%) |
175 (69.4%) |
Reduced fluids before bedtime |
141 (56.0%) |
111 (44.0%) |
Awakened child to urinate |
115 (45.6%) |
137 (54.4%) |
Used an enuresis alarm |
3 (1.2%) |
249 (98.8%) |
Used medical treatment |
29 (11.5%) |
223 (88.5%) |
Specific medication recalled
among treated children (N = 29) |
6 (20.7%) |
23 (79.3%) |
Reported medications |
Tofranil, n = 3; amitriptyline,
n = 1; desmopressin tablet, n = 1;
desmopressin nasal spray, n = 1 |
|
Regarding management, 175 (69.4%) families did not seek medical consultation. Behavioral interventions were common: 141 (56.0%) reduced the child’s fluid intake before bedtime, and 115 (45.6%) regularly awakened the child at night to urinate. Enuresis alarms were used by only three families (1.2%). Medical treatment was used in 29 (11.5%), although 23 (9.1%) could not recall the specific medication. Reported treatments included Tofranil in three (1.2%), amitriptyline in one (0.4%), desmopressin tablets in one (0.4%), and desmopressin nasal spray in one (0.4%), as shown in Table 7.
Table 8. Sociodemographic and familial characteristics by wet-night frequency (N = 252).
Characteristic |
Category |
>2 nightsN = 60 |
≤2 nightsN = 53 |
Every nightN = 139 |
P value |
Caregiver |
Mother |
45 (22.7%) |
41 (20.7%) |
112 (56.6%) |
0.502 |
|
Father |
13 (25.5%) |
12 (23.5%) |
26 (51.0%) |
|
|
Other relative |
2 (66.7%) |
0 (0.0%) |
1 (33.3%) |
|
Caregiver age,
years |
|
37.6 ± 8.6 |
34.2 ± 6.9 |
33.3 ± 5.7 |
<0.001 |
Living status |
Both parents |
52 (22.6%) |
50 (21.7%) |
128 (55.7%) |
0.260 |
|
One parent; other deceased |
6 (50.0%) |
2 (16.7%) |
4 (33.3%) |
|
|
One parent; separated |
2 (20.0%) |
1 (10.0%) |
7 (70.0%) |
|
Number of
siblings |
None |
3 (37.5%) |
3 (37.5%) |
2 (25.0%) |
<0.001 |
|
1 - 3 |
23 (15.8%) |
38 (26.0%) |
85 (58.2%) |
|
|
≥4 |
34 (34.7%) |
12 (12.2%) |
52 (53.1%) |
|
Consanguinity |
None |
37 (26.6%) |
33 (23.7%) |
69 (49.6%) |
0.273 |
|
First-degree |
7 (14.9%) |
9 (19.1%) |
31 (66.0%) |
|
|
Second-degree |
13 (29.5%) |
8 (18.2%) |
23 (52.3%) |
|
|
Distant |
3 (13.6%) |
3 (13.6%) |
16 (72.7%) |
|
Father’s
education |
Illiterate |
17 (23.0%) |
10 (13.5%) |
47 (63.5%) |
0.024 |
|
Primary |
21 (18.6%) |
25 (22.1%) |
67 (59.3%) |
|
|
Secondary |
4 (22.2%) |
5 (27.8%) |
9 (50.0%) |
|
|
College/institution or higher |
18 (38.3%) |
13 (27.7%) |
16 (34.0%) |
|
Mother’s
education |
Illiterate |
23 (23.5%) |
17 (17.3%) |
58 (59.2%) |
0.017 |
|
Primary |
25 (21.6%) |
22 (19.0%) |
69 (59.5%) |
|
|
Secondary |
0 (0.0%) |
2 (40.0%) |
3 (60.0%) |
|
|
College/institution or higher |
12 (36.4%) |
12 (36.4%) |
9 (27.3%) |
|
Values are n (row %) unless otherwise indicated. P values were obtained using one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s chi-square test, or Fisher’s exact test with Monte Carlo estimation, as appropriate.
In unadjusted analyses, most caregivers in all wet-night frequency groups were mothers, and caregiver type was not associated with frequency (P = 0.503). Caregiver age differed among groups (P < 0.001), with the highest mean age in the group with more than two wet nights per week (37.6 ± 8.6 years) and the lowest in the every-night group (33.3 ± 5.7 years). Parents’ living status was not associated with wet-night frequency (P = 0.262).
Sibling number was associated with wet-night frequency in the unadjusted analysis (P < 0.001). Consanguinity was not associated with frequency (P = 0.273). Paternal and maternal education also differed across frequency groups (P = 0.023 and P = 0.017, respectively), as shown in Table 8. These comparisons are bivariate and do not account for confounding.
Child age differed across frequency groups in the unadjusted analysis (P = 0.044). Children in the group with more than two wet nights per week were oldest, 9.7 ± 3.1 years, while the every-night group was the youngest, 8.5 ± 2.9 years. Sex was not associated with frequency (P = 0.139). Birth order, chronic disease, medication use, pinworm infestation, chronic constipation, and previous surgery were also not associated with frequency (all P > 0.05). Congenital anomalies were more frequent in the every-night group, although the association was not statistically significant (P = 0.100).
Table 9. Child demographic and clinical characteristics by wet-night frequency (N = 252).
Characteristic |
Category |
>2 nightsN = 60 |
≤2 nightsN = 53 |
Every nightN = 139 |
P value |
Child age, years |
|
9.7 ± 3.1 |
8.9 ± 3.1 |
8.5 ± 2.9 |
0.044 |
Sex |
Male |
27 (21.3%) |
33 (26.0%) |
67 (52.8%) |
0.139 |
|
Female |
33 (26.4%) |
20 (16.0%) |
72 (57.6%) |
|
Birth order |
First |
21 (30.4%) |
15 (21.7%) |
33 (47.8%) |
0.257 |
|
Second |
8 (13.1%) |
14 (23.0%) |
39 (63.9%) |
|
|
Third |
12 (20.3%) |
12 (20.3%) |
35 (59.3%) |
|
|
Fourth or later |
19 (30.2%) |
12 (19.0%) |
32 (50.8%) |
|
Chronic disease |
Present |
5 (17.9%) |
7 (25.0%) |
16 (57.1%) |
0.695 |
Medication affecting
urinary system |
Present |
4 (19.0%) |
5 (23.8%) |
12 (57.1%) |
0.908 |
Chronic constipation |
Present |
5 (18.5%) |
7 (25.9%) |
15 (55.6%) |
0.704 |
Congenital anomaly |
Present |
2 (16.7%) |
0 (0.0%) |
10 (83.3%) |
0.100 |
Pinworm infestation |
Present |
13 (26.5%) |
9 (18.4%) |
27 (55.1%) |
0.821 |
Previous surgery |
Present |
5 (18.5%) |
4 (14.8%) |
18 (66.7%) |
0.441 |
ADHD |
Present |
6 (66.7%) |
1 (11.1%) |
2 (22.2%) |
0.016 |
Duration of enuresis |
<6 months |
3 (14.3%) |
5 (23.8%) |
13 (61.9%) |
0.136 |
|
6 months - 1 year |
5 (14.3%) |
9 (25.7%) |
21 (60.0%) |
|
|
>1 - 2 years |
7 (25.0%) |
6 (21.4%) |
15 (53.6%) |
|
|
>2 - 4 years |
4 (10.8%) |
6 (16.2%) |
27 (73.0%) |
|
|
>4 years |
41 (31.3%) |
27 (20.6%) |
63 (48.1%) |
|
Values are n (row %) unless otherwise indicated. P values were obtained using one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s chi-square test, or Fisher’s exact test with Monte Carlo estimation, as appropriate.
ADHD differed across the frequency groups in the unadjusted analysis (P = 0.016), although only nine children had ADHD. Duration of enuresis was not associated with wet-night frequency (P = 0.14), as shown in Table 9.
In the adjusted multinomial model, children with four or more siblings had higher odds of wetting on more than two nights rather than two or fewer nights per week (aOR, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.61 - 9.74; P = 0.003). Maternal primary education, compared with secondary education or higher, was associated with every-night wetting rather than two or fewer wet nights (aOR, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.24 - 12.02; P = 0.020). Child age, caregiver age, paternal education, and ADHD were not statistically significant after adjustment. Estimates for ADHD were imprecise because only nine children had this diagnosis. The overall model was statistically significant (likelihood-ratio χ2 = 51.97, 16 degrees of freedom; P < 0.001), as shown in Table 10.
Table 10. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression of wet-night frequency (N = 252).
Outcome comparison |
Predictor |
aOR |
95% CI |
P value |
>2 nights vs
≤2 nights |
Child age, per year |
1.01 |
0.88 - 1.16 |
0.912 |
Caregiver age, per year |
1.05 |
0.99 - 1.11 |
0.122 |
ADHD, yes vs no |
8.28 |
0.83 - 82.66 |
0.072 |
Four or more siblings vs fewer |
3.96 |
1.61 - 9.74 |
0.003 |
Father primary vs secondary or higher |
0.56 |
0.19 - 1.67 |
0.296 |
Father illiterate vs secondary or higher |
0.80 |
0.20 - 3.11 |
0.742 |
Mother primary vs secondary or higher |
1.92 |
0.52 - 7.08 |
0.329 |
Mother illiterate vs secondary or higher |
1.77 |
0.42 - 7.45 |
0.436 |
Every night vs
≤2 nights |
Child age, per year |
0.90 |
0.79 - 1.01 |
0.077 |
Caregiver age, per year |
0.99 |
0.93 - 1.04 |
0.610 |
ADHD, yes vs no |
1.78 |
0.14 - 22.53 |
0.656 |
Four or more siblings vs fewer |
1.84 |
0.83 - 4.10 |
0.134 |
Father primary vs secondary or higher |
1.14 |
0.44 - 2.94 |
0.782 |
Father illiterate vs secondary or higher |
1.90 |
0.59 - 6.14 |
0.281 |
Mother primary vs secondary or higher |
3.86 |
1.24 - 12.02 |
0.020 |
Mother illiterate vs secondary or higher |
3.11 |
0.91 - 10.62 |
0.070 |
Reference outcome: two or fewer wet nights per week. Education reference: secondary education or higher. Sibling reference: fewer than four siblings. Overall likelihood-ratio χ2 = 51.97, df = 16, P < 0.001. aOR, adjusted odds ratio; CI, confidence interval.
6. Discussion
Nocturnal enuresis, defined as involuntary urination during sleep beyond the age of expected bladder control, remains a significant pediatric concern with implications for child development, caregiver stress, and long-term psychosocial outcomes. This study adds data from an Iraqi pediatric population and examines a broad range of demographic, familial, behavioral, and medical factors.
6.1. Prevalence and Clinical Profile
The prevalence of NE among children attending the four selected pediatric hospitals was 23.18% (95% CI, 20.77% - 25.78%). This is a clinic-attendee estimate and should not be interpreted as prevalence among all children in Baghdad. It is higher than the global pooled estimate of 7.2% reported by Adisu et al. [3] in a meta-analysis of 128 studies involving 445,242 individuals from 39 countries. That review reported marked geographical and sociocultural variation, with estimates ranging from 2% to 75%.
Several factors may explain the discrepancy. Hospital-based studies may capture children with more severe or persistent symptoms and thereby yield a higher prevalence than community-based studies. Healthcare-seeking behavior, parental awareness, and cultural attitudes toward bedwetting may also influence reporting. Social stigma may lead to underreporting in some communities, whereas families may be more willing to discuss the problem in clinical settings.
In the context of Middle Eastern data, Alamri et al. [11] reported a prevalence of 24% in Saudi Arabia, close to the present estimate. Saleh and Al-Saffar [12] reported a prevalence of 29.5% in Baghdad. In Palestine, Mohammad et al. [13] reported a prevalence of 27.9% among primary school children and observed associations with psychosocial characteristics. Differences in sampling setting, diagnostic criteria, and population structure limit direct comparison across these studies.
The nearly equal sex distribution in the present study, 50.4% male and 49.6% female, contrasts with the male predominance reported in some Saudi data [11]. It is consistent with the Iraqi cross-sectional study by Al-Hussein and Al-Joborae, which found little sex difference [14].
6.2. Family History and Genetic Contribution
A family history of enuresis was reported in 59.5% of cases. This finding is compatible with, but does not itself establish, a genetic contribution. Sarici et al. [15] reported a comparable rate of 59.2% in Türkiye, while Saleh and Al-Saffar [12] reported a positive family history in 71.7% of enuretic children in Baghdad. In the meta-analysis by Adisu et al. [3], positive family history was associated with NE (adjusted odds ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.26 - 1.71).
6.3. Consanguinity and Sociocultural Factors
In the present study, 44.8% of children came from consanguineous families, but consanguinity was not associated with wet-night frequency (P = 0.273). A report from Pakistan by Shah et al. included consanguinity among the familial factors examined in relation to NE [16]. The present case-only analysis cannot determine whether consanguinity is associated with developing NE.
6.4. Caregiver Demographics and Psychosocial Dynamics
Mothers were the primary caregivers in 78.6% of cases, consistent with findings from Iscan and Ozkayın in Türkiye [17]. This pattern may reflect local family roles in pediatric healthcare.
Both paternal and maternal education differed across wet-night groups in bivariate analyses. After adjustment, maternal primary education, compared with secondary education or higher, remained associated with every-night wetting rather than two or fewer wet nights per week. The confidence interval was wide, and the association should be interpreted cautiously. Research from Egypt indicates that parental perceptions and educational background may be related to recognition and management of enuresis [18] [19]. Health education may improve caregiver understanding and family outcomes [2].
The reported family burden was substantial. More than half reported psychological stress, and 23.0% reported physical exhaustion related to managing the condition. Huang et al. described emotional fatigue and social disruption among parents in western China [20]. Roccella et al. observed an association between parental stress and behavioral difficulties among enuretic children [21]. These findings support assessment of family well-being alongside the child’s clinical symptoms.
6.5. ADHD and Neurobehavioral Associations
ADHD differed across wet-night frequency groups in the bivariate analysis, but it was not statistically significant after adjustment. Only nine children had ADHD, producing wide confidence intervals and limited precision. A systematic review and meta-analysis by de Sena Oliveira et al. reported frequent co-occurrence of ADHD and NE [22], and Abd-Elmoneim et al. also reported an association [23]. Screening may be considered when clinically indicated, but the present study does not establish an independent association.
6.6. Sleep Patterns and Enuresis
Irregular sleep was reported in 12.7%, and 32.1% experienced nightmares with varying frequency. Ma et al. reported higher rates of sleep problems among children with NE than among non-enuretic children [24]. Von Gontard et al. also reported an association between incontinence and sleep disturbances [25]. Because the present study included no non-enuretic comparison group for detailed sleep variables, it cannot determine whether these sleep characteristics were associated with the occurrence of NE.
6.7. Academic Performance and Bullying
Among enrolled children, 13.9% had poor academic performance. Among the 178 enrolled children with valid bullying responses, 12.9% reported bullying. Ahmed et al. reported reduced quality of life among Egyptian schoolchildren with NE [26], while Mohammad et al. observed associations between NE, academic performance, and social anxiety [13]. These findings support attention to school functioning and bullying during clinical assessment.
6.8. Family Reactions and Punishment
More than half of families provided reassurance, although verbal and physical punishment were still reported. Al-Zaben and Sehlo found that punishment for bedwetting was associated with depression and poorer quality of life [27]. Ferrara et al. reported adverse developmental and treatment-related outcomes associated with punishment [28]. Parent-focused education should promote supportive responses and discourage punitive practices.
6.9. Management Approaches
Despite the symptom burden, only about one-third of families sought professional care, and pharmacological treatment was uncommon. Behavioral measures, particularly fluid restriction and scheduled nighttime awakening, were more frequent. Use of enuresis alarms, a first-line treatment option, was rare. This suggests limited public and parental awareness of effective management.
Iduoriyekemwen and Nwaneri reported similar findings in Nigeria, where behavioral measures were common but alarm therapy was poorly recognized [29]. Structured parent education and wider dissemination of treatment guidance may improve the use of appropriate management and reduce punitive responses.
7. Limitations
1) The hospital-based, non-probability sample represents children attending selected pediatric clinics and cannot be generalized to all children in Baghdad.
2) Detailed associated-factor data were collected only from children with enuresis. Therefore, the study evaluates factors associated with wet-night frequency among cases, not factors associated with developing nocturnal enuresis.
3) The cross-sectional design does not establish temporality or causality.
4) Some sensitive variables, including ADHD, emotional difficulties, and punishment, were caregiver reported and may be affected by recall or social desirability bias.
5) Although diagnosis and exclusion of important medical causes were confirmed by a specialist pediatrician or pediatric neurologist, the questionnaire did not contain a complete ICCS daytime lower urinary tract symptom inventory. Monosymptomatic and non-monosymptomatic enuresis could therefore not be classified reliably.
6) ADHD was uncommon, and several educational categories were small. The resulting adjusted estimates had wide confidence intervals.
7) Two bullying responses among enrolled children used inapplicable categories. Bullying percentages were therefore calculated using valid responses.
8. Conclusions
1) Nocturnal enuresis was identified in 23.18% (95% CI, 20.77% - 25.78%) of children aged 5 - 15 years attending the selected pediatric clinics. This estimate should not be generalized to all children in Baghdad.
2) In the adjusted model, having four or more siblings was associated with wetting on more than two nights rather than two or fewer nights per week.
3) Maternal primary education, compared with secondary education or higher, was associated with every-night wetting rather than two or fewer wet nights per week. Other adjusted associations were not statistically significant.
4) Psychological stress and physical exhaustion were commonly reported by families, while professional consultation and evidence-based treatment use were limited.
5) Most families reassured their children, but verbal and physical punishment remained present in some households.
9. Recommendations
1) Incorporate screening for nocturnal enuresis into routine primary care and preschool health assessments. Screening should address urinary control, sleep patterns, psychosocial stressors, and family history. Systematic screening may support timely intervention, reduce stigma, and guide families toward appropriate behavioral, pharmacological, or supportive treatment.
2) Implement school- and community-based awareness programs to educate caregivers about the causes and management of enuresis, reduce stigma, and encourage supportive parenting.
3) Integrate behavioral, sleep, and urological screening into primary pediatric care, particularly for children with ADHD or sleep disorders.
4) Improve access to evidence-based treatments, including enuresis alarms and desmopressin, through public health services.
5) Conduct multicenter, longitudinal, and interventional studies in Iraq to clarify cultural influences and optimize management strategies.
Author Contributions
Dhuha Qassim Mohammed Salih, data collection and writing;
Sahar A. Esa Al-Shatari, supervision, data analysis, and writing;
Hassan Mahmoud Salman, data collection and writing.