Prevalence of nocturia in a Korean population aged 40 to 89 years

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of nocturia in Korea, to examine the relationship between nocturia and demographic variables, and to determine the impact of nocturia on daily living.

A national telephone survey using quota sampling methods was conducted in Korea. The clinically validated computer-assisted telephone interview approach was used for the survey.

Of 2005 subjects (1,005 women and 1,000 men) interviewed, 33.5% reported voiding once per night and 48.2% twice or more per night. Nocturia increased with age among both genders and was more common among young women than young men. In all subjects, multivariate analysis indicated that female gender, older age and an overweight condition were independent risk factors. Body mass index was associated with an increased likelihood of nocturia in male but not in female subjects. In female subjects, the likelihood of at least one night-time void was related to delivery number (odds ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.32). An impact of nocturia on daily life was reported by 14.6% of subjects and only 3.8% (4.0% of men and 3.7% of women) sought medical care. Commonly reported reasons for not seeking medical care were the belief that nocturia is a normal consequence of aging or is not a disease (92.8% of subjects reporting an impact of nocturia on daily life).

Although nocturia is highly prevalent in the Korean population, it has only a minor impact on daily living, and few individuals seek medical care. Our study provides a valuable insight into the need for tailored nocturia education addressed to the population who view the condition as trivial.