Occurance and associated factors related to sick leave or disability among adults with vestibular dysfunction. A systematic review

Project summary

Dizziness is common and a troublesome health problem, which may arise for a variety of reasons. Approximately 50 % of those seeking health care for dizziness, dizziness is associated with a vestibular disorder. Typical for the condition is an abrupt onset associated with general malaise, vertigo, visual problems and unsteadiness. In most cases the general condition improves within weeks, but vestibular symptoms may remain in about 30 % of the cases. Long-lasting symptoms is often accompanied by co-morbidities like anxiety and depressive symptoms, musculoskeletal pain and increased rates of sickness absence and disability pension. The aims of this study are to explore the occurrence and associated factors with sick leave or disability among adults with peripheral vestibular hypofunction.  

Method

Types of study to be included

We will include prospective and retrospective observational studies like cohort studies, case-control studies, case-series. We may also include controlled studies if relevant.

 

Qualitative studies will be excluded.

 

Participants/population

We will include studies describing occurence or associated factors with sick leave and disability in an adult population (>18 years) of peripheral vestibular disorders. The population may be recruited either from Primary and/or Specialist Care.

 

Intervention(s), Exposure(s)

Probably no interventions will be described in the included studies. Most studies will be observational. There will probably be no intervention described as included studies will mainly be observational studies. Exposure will be patients having a peripheral vestibular disorder.

 

Comparator(s)/control

Probably not relevant. However, comparison between groups of participants like vestibular vs non-vestibular dizziness could be relevant.

 

Context

Studies must have taken place in Primary or Specialised Care

 

Outcome(s)

Primary outcome will be any description of occurence of sick leave or disability or of any factors describing associations of sick leave or disability.

 

Secondary Outcomes will be prevalence of any comorbidity like musculoskeletal complaints, emotional distress/complaints, or other comorbidities that may be relevant for the results of the study.