ABSTRACT
Aim: Urinary incontinence is an important problem that can
arise due to neurogenic or functional reasons and can negatively affect
the psychological, social and personality development of children. This
study was conducted in Eskişehir province, on secondary school students
in order to determine the prevalence and nature of urinary incontinence
at night and/or daytime.
Methods: The study universe included all secondary school
students attending state elementary schools in the city center of
Eskişehir (N=34.000). Ethics Committee and Provincial Directorate of
National Education approval was obtained before conducting the study,
which was supported by Eskişehir Osmangazi University Scientific
Research Projects Commission (Project no: 2017-1876) . A data collection
form prepared by the researchers, and a consent form were delivered in
sealed envelope to the parents via the students. The study data were
collected between 09.05.2018 and 30.05.2018. Only volunteers were
included in the study. 6957 questionnaires which have been fully
completed from the 7370 surveys have been taken into consideration. The
statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS soft ware package.
Results: The number of children found to have urinary
incontinence was determined to be 215 (3.1%). It has been determined
that 33 children (0.5%) have urinary incontinence only at daytime, 61
children (0.9%) have urinary incontinence both at night and daytime,
and 121 children (1.7%) have urinary incontinence only at night. It was
observed that 56% of the children suffering from urinary incontinence
had not applied to any health institution for treatment before.
Conclusions: Children and families with urinary incontinence
need medical information and support to cover the cause of the problem
and suggestions for solutions. Accompanying pathologies in cases to be
detected can be determined in the early period by means of school
screenings and medical evaluation and support can prevent the
psychosocial and personality development of children from being
adversely affected.
Keywords: Urinary incontinence, children, school screenings