Comparison of the characteristics and factors influencing hospital visits among children with nocturnal enuresis in Japan: The Hirakata-Urayasu population-based cohort study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the demographic characteristics of school-aged children with nocturnal enuresis and factors influencing hospital visits between two regions in Japan. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture, and Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture. An anonymous online questionnaire was administered to all public elementary and junior high school students (aged 6-16 years) or their guardians. Questions included age, gender, perinatal history, frequency of nocturnal enuresis, frequency of bowel movements, comorbidities, and hospital visits for nocturnal enuresis. ResultsThe survey response rates were 15.4% in Hirakata City and 37.0% in Urayasu City. In total, 426 children with nocturnal enuresis in Hirakata City and 270 in Urayasu City were included in the final analysis. In both cities, the boy-girl ratio was approximately 2:1, and the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis gradually decreased with age. Multivariate analysis revealed that children aged >= 11 years had a significantly higher proportion of hospital visits (OR, 2.61; 95% CI: 1.49-4.56; p = 0.001; OR, 2.72; 95% CI: 1.12-6.64; p = 0.027, respectively). However, the frequency of nocturnal enuresis did not affect hospital visits. ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that parents with school-aged children have low awareness that nocturnal enuresis is a health problem and therefore subject to medical consultation. Although the proportion of hospital visits increases for children aged >= 11 years, children and families suffering from nocturnal enuresis should be encouraged to see a doctor instead of adopting a "wait and see attitude," even at a young age.