Quality of life in elderly patients with dizziness: Analysis of the Short-Form Health Survey in 197 patients

Li Chi Hsu, Han Hwa Hu, Wen Jang Wong, Shuu Jiun Wang, Yun On Luk, Chang Ming Chern

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Conclusion. Elderly patients with chronic dizziness had a poor HRQoL, which could be successfully assessed using the SF-36, a generic health-status instrument. The frequency of dizziness and comorbid psychological distress were predictive of impairment in QoL. Objectives. To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its relationship to characteristics of dizziness in elderly persons with chronic dizziness. Material and methods. A standardized dizziness questionnaire was used to evaluate characteristics of dizziness as well as medical, functional and demographic data in 197 consecutive patients with chronic dizziness aged ≥60 years. HRQoL was evaluated using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results. Compared with normative data, results from patients with dizziness indicated a pervasive multidimensional decline in SF-36 scores. This decline was most notable in terms of role limitations in the physical and emotional dimensions. The frequency of attacks of dizziness correlated with perceived disability. Patients with chronic dizziness also had great psychological distress, as measured by the HADS score, which had a detrimental influence on their QoL.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)55-59
Number of pages5
JournalActa Oto-Laryngologica
Volume125
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 31 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Disability
  • Dizziness
  • Elderly
  • Quality of life
  • Short Form-36

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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