Res Vestib Sci.  2021 Mar;20(1):17-23. 10.21790/rvs.2021.20.1.17.

Impact of Vestibular Function on Health-Related Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

• Kim HJ
• Lee SB
• Suh MJ

• KMID: 2513998
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2021.20.1.17

Abstract

Objectives
This study was performed to investigate whether vestibular dysfunction affects health-related quality of life in Korean adults.

Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed with data from the 2010 to 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey for adults aged 40 years or more. The modified Romberg test and health-related quality of life evaluation using the EuroQoL 5-dimensional (EQ-5D) questionnaires were performed. Data were analyzed using a complex-sample chi-square test of independence and multivariate linear regression analysis. The main outcome measures were vestibular dysfunction and the calculated health-related quality of life questionnaire score.

Results
The overall prevalence of vestibular dysfunction was 3.4% (95% confidence interval, 2.5%–4.3%). In adults aged more than 40 years, multivariate linear regression analyses showed a significant reverse correlation between vestibular function and health-related quality of life since the EQ-5D index showed a lower score than normal (B coefficient=‒0.09, R²=0.299, p=0.003) for a decrease in balance function, and the scores for mobility, self-care, general activities, and pain/discomfort were worse, except for anxiety/depression. On the other hand, subjective dizziness was significantly associated with the EQ-5D index and all its subcategories.

Conclusions
Since adults with vestibular dysfunction have poor health-related quality of life, active monitoring and rehabilitation are necessary.

Keyword

Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys; Vestibular diseases; Vertigo; Quality of life; Risk factors