A randomized control trial comparing sterile cotton balls versus urine bag for urine collection method in non-toilet trained children.

All participants will be divided into two study arms: • Arm 1 (Intervention Group): Urine collection using sterile cotton balls. • Arm 2 (Control Group): Urine collection using a paediatric urine bag. All admitted patients in the paediatric ward will be assessed for eligibility. Those who meet the inclusion criteria and whose parents or guardians provide written informed consent will be recruited into the study. The intervention material consists of sterile cotton balls. Three sterile cotton balls will be placed in the child’s diaper and left in situ until urine passage is detected. Passage of urine will be checked every 10 minutes by inspection of the diaper. If urine is not passed within 30 minutes, the cotton balls will be replaced, and the procedure will be repeated until urine is passed. Parents or caregivers will be briefly instructed about the procedure, including the purpose of the cotton balls, the need to keep the diaper in place and to immediately inform the medical staff if they notice urine passage or if the child becomes uncomfortable. Parents will not be required to manipulate or remove the cotton balls themselves. Adherence to the intervention will be ensured through direct supervision by the principal investigator or trained medical staff, who will place the cotton balls, perform scheduled checks every 10 minutes, and remove the cotton balls once urine is passed. The procedure will be conducted in a face-to-face manner and participants will be continuously monitored until a urine sample is successfully collected. The principal investigator, who has six years of experience in paediatrics, will oversee all procedures. Each participant will undergo the procedure once. Urine collection procedures in both groups will be performed within the ward setting.