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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, R 2 =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.
