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

Objectives The 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. Methods A 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. Results The 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. Conclusions The 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.