Comparison of bathing-related adverse events, including drowning, between hot spring bathing and general bathing: A single-center retrospective study

Abstract

Aims

While Japan's bathing culture contributes to better health, it has also become a social problem due to the high number of medical care emergencies arising from bathing-related adverse events. In particular, bathing in hot springs may pose unique risks. This study aimed to examine the relationship between bathing-related adverse events, including drowning, and the location of bathing, specifically hot springs and other bathing sites.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective cohort study included 125 participants who had bathing-related adverse events from March 1, 2012 to February 29, 2024. Participants were classified into two groups according to the bathing location: hot spring (Group H; n = 24) and other bathing (Group B; n = 101) groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted using drowning as the objective variable and bathing in hot springs and age as explanatory variables.

Results

Only the incidence of drowning showed a significant difference between the two groups (Group H: 9/24 [37%] vs. Group B: 18/95 [18%]). Logistic regression analysis showed that bathing in hot springs was an independent factor associated with drowning, with no significant difference by age.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that drowning is more frequent among individuals who bathe in hot springs. Larger scale studies are needed to explore the causes of drowning during hot spring bathing and the relationship between hot spring bathing and bathing-related adverse events.