RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Prevalence of vestibular dysfunction and associated factors in South Korea
JF BMJ Open
JO BMJ Open
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e008224
DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008224
VO 5
IS 10
A1 Koo, Ja-Won
A1 Chang, Mun Young
A1 Woo, Sook-young
A1 Kim, Seonwoo
A1 Cho, Yang-Sun
YR 2015
UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/10/e008224.abstract
AB Objective To report the nationwide prevalence of dizziness and vestibular dysfunction in the Korean population and determine the associated factors.Design Cross-sectional analysis of a nationwide health survey.Methods We obtained data from the 2009 to 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, which were cross-sectional surveys of the South Korean civilian, non-institutionalised population aged 40 years and older (N=3267). A field survey team performed interviews and physical examinations. Structured questionnaires were handed out and balance function tests using the modified Romberg test of standing balance on firm and compliant support surfaces were performed on participants. Failure on the modified Romberg test was regarded to indicate vestibular dysfunction.Results The prevalence of dizziness during the past year was 16.70% (95% CI 14.65% to 18.76%). The presence of vestibular dysfunction was noted in 1.84% (95% CI 1.18% to 2.51%). In addition, the prevalence of experiencing falls and positional dizziness were 1.46% (95% CI 0.87% to 2.06%) and 1.73% (95% CI 1.17% to 2.29%), respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that dizziness was associated with increased age, female gender, hearing loss and stress. Vestibular dysfunction was associated with increased age, history of dizziness and hearing loss.Conclusions Vertigo and dizziness are the greatest contributors to the burden of disability in the aged population. Screening for dizziness and vestibular dysfunction, and management of associated factors might be important for improving compromised quality of life due to postural imbalance caused by vestibular problems.