Multimedia versus written information for nocturnal enuresis education: a cluster randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the impact of child-focused information provision using a multimedia software package 'All About Nocturnal Enuresis' and written leaflets containing the same information for bedwetting children.

Design: A stratified cluster randomized controlled trial with data on 270 children collected longitudinally.

Setting: Fifteen school nurse-led community enuresis clinics in Leicestershire, UK.

Main outcome measures: The outcome measures were becoming and remaining dry and time to dry, non-attendance and dropout rates. The psychological measures completed by children were the impact of bedwetting and Coopersmith self-esteem scales. Parents completed the maternal tolerance scale.

Results: No significant intervention effect was found for any of the outcome measures recorded during treatment, at discharge or six-months post discharge.

Conclusions: Multimedia educational programs and written leaflets are widely used to enable children to learn more about their health-related conditions. However, our result suggests that multimedia is no more effective than traditional materials at effecting health-related behavioural change.