Attitude survey on Japanese parents of children visiting the hospital for consultation on early puberty.

Abstract

Globally, the incidence of precocious puberty increases with a decline in age of pubertal onset. Simultaneously, the rate of hospital referrals for children in early puberty has increased. This study is the first survey of Japanese parents of children who visited a hospital for referral about early puberty to clarify their parents' concerns. We conducted a survey using an initial medical questionnaire between April 2019 and May 2023. In total, 230 parents completed the questionnaire during their first visit. Over half of the parents were concerned about puberty and desired aggressive treatment. The most common concerns were children's height prognosis and early menarche in girls. Psychological problems were relatively infrequent. Only 20% of children had indications for treatment. Our survey showed that many children were referred to our department preceded by their parents' excessive anxiety and quest for treatment. Psychological issues may not be a major determinant of an indication for therapy with central precocious puberty. Providing sufficient explanations and correct information on puberty is important to alleviate parental anxiety and reduce unnecessary referrals.