Ozgur Ozdemir SIMSEK, Gamze YAKIN, Hasan TURAN, Hasan Akin TAHILLIOGLU
European Archives of Medical Research - 2026;42(2):183-187
Objective: "Screen time" refers to the time spent using all screen-enabled devices throughout the day. When considering sleep patterns and quality, daily screen use is thought to be effective in enuresis due to its impact on cognitive and physical functions. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between enuresis and screen exposure. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty-five children aged 6-18 years who applied to Pediatric Nephrology and Pediatric Urology outpatient clinics due to primary enuresis and whose daily screen time was over 60 min were evaluated with questions. Results: A total of 145 patients, 72 girls and 73 boys, were evaluated with a mean age of 9.3+/-3.2 years. One hundred twelve patients had a family history of enuresis, and 109 first-degree relatives had a history of enuresis. The children's mean screen exposure time was 5.7+/-1.6 h/day, and 66% (98 patients) reported screen exposure immediately before sleep. All were observed to have computer or tablet exposure. At 3 months of treatment, all 47 patients with ongoing enuresis were observed to have screen exposure before bedtime, all were observed to have used computers or tablets, and all those with ongoing complaints were observed to have played games. At 6 months of treatment, all 27 patients whose enuresis persisted despite behavioral therapy and medical treatment were observed to have continued screen exposure before bedtime, exceeding 120 min by playing games. Conclusion: Enuresis is multifactorial, and the effects of screen time are known. In children, in addition to behavioral therapy and medical treatment, reducing screen time, especially gaming time, should be considered in the treatment of enuresis.
