Prevalence of vestibulopathy in institutionalized elderly persons in Natal-RN-Brazil

Abstract: PURPOSE: to assess the prevalence of vestibulopathy and associated factors in institutionalized elderly persons through bedside clinical examination. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was performed in 12 Nursing Homes in Natal, Brazil, regulated by the Health Surveillance Department. Elderly persons who possessed a good cognitive level and were able to walk were selected, resulting in a total sample of 115 persons. They were asked whether they had experienced dizziness in the past year, and when the answer was positive, responded to a questionnaire and underwent physical examinations for the diagnosis of vestibulopathy, in accordance with the protocol established by Johnson and Lalwani (2004). The Chi-squared or Fisher's Exact tests were used for statistical analysis, with a significance level of 5%, and the Prevalence Ratio was calculated. RESULTS: the prevalence of vestibulopathy was 10.56%, and the condition was associated with osteoarthritis and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: there is a low prevalence of vestibulopathy among institutionalized elderly persons in Natal, Brazil.