Association of nocturnal enuresis and mental health problems among Children and Adolescents, in South Ethiopia

Background : Mental health problem impacts the life of children, adolescents, and their family. Different physiological factors were implicated as an etiology of Nocturnal Enuresis (NE). Small body of research examined the mental health problem on NE in children and adolescents. Thus, this study aimed to identify children and adolescent mental health problems on NE among children and adolescents at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital who are aged 5–14 years old, South Ethiopia, in 2022. Method: At Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, a cross-sectional study was carried out between September 22, 2022, and November 22, 2022. 417 research participants were chosen at systematic random selection. A structured, in-person interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. A Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-5) were used to assess NE and Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) parent report version were used to screen for child and adolescent mental health problems. A chi-square test was used to determine the association between the outcome and independent variables. A 95% confidence interval (CI) and Risk Ratio (RR) with a corresponding p-value < 0.05 was used to determine the strength of the association. Result: The mean age of the participants was 8.3±2.3 years. 59.2% of the participants were between 5-8 years old and 271(65%) were males. The magnitude of NE was (n 57, 13.7%). Regarding the mental health status of the participant, (n 117, 28.1%) had behavioral problems, (n 137, 32.9%) had emotional problems, (n 73, 17.5%) had hyperactive-inattention, (n 89, 21.3%) had conduct problems, and (n 132, 31.7%) had peer problems. Emotional problems (RR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.49, 4.63) and peer problems (RR = 4.31; 95% CI: 2.41, 7.72) predicts NE. Conclusion and Recommendation: This study showed emotional and peer problems predicts NE. Thus, a targeted early intervention needs to be planned in order to improve children’s and adolescents mental health and wellbeing.