YB Zheng, H Xu, YN Gong, KL Wang, ZH Ni, DD He

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prevalence rate of primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) in Shanghai; evaluate the impact of PNE and the effects of PNE treatments. Methods: Anonymous questionnaires containing close-ended questions were completed by the children's parents. The impact of enuresis and effect of treatment were quantitatively analysed using numerical rating scales (NRSs). Findings: PNE prevalence was 4.0%, decreasing with age. "Annoyance" with PNE was reported by 70.6% parents and 55% children (51.3% children aged 7-9.9 years; 75% children aged 10-12 years). 32.6% patients had visited a hospital, of whom, 62% were advised lifestyle modification to promote self-healing. In all, 87% parents thought the treatments effective (NRS score, ≥2). Conclusions: PNE prevalence among children in Shanghai City is not low, especially, in the low-income group. PNE had a greater impact on parents than on children. Few children had visited a hospital, and the treatments prescribed generally produced small improvements.