Prevalence estimates of voiding disorders in Turkish school-age children

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of voiding disorders and identify the associated risk factors for school-age children in East Anatolia, Turkey.

Methods: We randomly selected six primary schools in Malatya in East Anatolia, and 907 students from 6 to 14 years old were involved. Data were obtained using the dysfunctional voiding and incontinence scoring system (DVISS) scale, and children who scored 8.5 or above on that scale were considered as having voiding disorders.

Results: Voiding disorders were detected in 175 (19.2%) of 907 children. One hundred and fifty-two (16.8%) had day-time urinary incontinence, and 131 (14.5%) had night-time incontinence. The findings showed a significant relationship between voiding disorder and daytime/night-time incontinence, and fecal incontinence. Voiding disorders decreased as the age increased. There was a significant relationship between voiding disorder and positive family history, and the quality of life of these children was significantly affected.

Conclusion: Voiding disorder is a common disease among school-age children. By identifying and treating voiding disorders and related risk factors in children in the early period, these children can be protected from possible medical or social complications.