Association of Infancy Breastfeeding with the Childhood Mono-Symptomatic Enuresis in Iraqi Children

الملخص

Background: Enuresis is a common pediatric disorder that negatively affects children’s emotional well-being and family functioning. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic, biological, and environmental influences. Early-life feeding practices, particularly breastfeeding, have been suggested as potential protective factors. Understanding these relationships may improve preventive and management strategies. Objectives: To assess the association between breastfeeding history and enuresis among children aged 6–14 years in Baghdad and to evaluate the role of risk factors including family history, body mass index, and selected sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: A case–control study was conducted from January to December 2025 on 200 children (6–14 years). The sample comprised 100 children with primary enuresis (cases) recruited from a pediatric clinic and 100 age- and sex-matched controls without enuresis from primary healthcare centers. Children with neurological disorders, urinary tract abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, sleep disorders, or medication use were excluded. Data were collected through structured maternal interviews covering sociodemographic characteristics, family history, and feeding practices. Results: Obesity was more frequent among cases than controls (52% vs. 26%). Bottle feeding (41% vs. 15%) and positive family history (74% vs. 16%) were also higher among cases. Logistic regression showed increased odds of enuresis with overweight (OR=3.533), obesity (OR=3.333), family history (OR=5.195), bottle feeding (OR=4.278), low socioeconomic status (OR=2.614), and parental loss (OR=76.20). Breastfeeding duration showed a protective effect (OR=0.215–0.273). Conclusions: Breastfeeding is protective against primary enuresis, while obesity and adverse socioeconomic factors increased risk.