Vertigo is a common symptom encountered in clinical practice, characterized by a false sensation of movement or spinning. It is a multifactorial condition that can arise from various etiologies, including inner ear disorders, central nervous system abnormalities, and systemic diseases. Vertigo can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, leading to impaired balance, functional limitations, and increased risk of falls [1-3].

Vertigo affects up to 10% of the general population. Adults suffer vertigo and dizziness on a yearly basis between 15% and above 20%, according to major population-based studies. Numerous studies have shown that vertigo increases with ageing and is two to three times more prevalent in women than in men. In general, about 40% of instances involve adults over the age of 50 [3-5].

Vertigo is viewed in clinical practise as a common presentation that influences a person's manner of life and behaviours. However, the most common accompanying symptoms of vertigo are dizziness, which accounts for about 54% of cases, tinnitus, hearing loss, diplopia, nystagmus, sensory disturbances, dysphagia, dysarthria, hemiplegia, and paresthesia. Other less common symptoms include loss of consciousness, headache, sweating, nausea, and vomiting [4-6].

Vertigo is also associated with migraine, psychogenic illnesses including anxiety and depression, getting less than 8 hours of sleep each night, and neck and shoulder muscle pain. The percentage of people who experience vertigo increased to 17% as a result of these risk factors.2-4 Vertigo is treated with medication, counselling, and physical therapy. Modifying one's lifestyle, such as reducing salt intake, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, etc., are further tips for treating vertigo [7-9].

Understanding the level of knowledge and awareness regarding vertigo among patients is crucial for effective management and patient education. It helps healthcare professionals tailor their approach and provide appropriate.

Objectives of the Study

This objective of this research article is to assess the understanding regarding the Vertigo among patients attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar, located in the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Research Methodology

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Hospital based cross-sectional survey design

• Setting of the Study: OPD in Civil hospital Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh

• Study Duration: Between January 2023-April 2023

• Study Population: Patients aged above 18 years came to OPD 

• Sample Size: 400 Patients, assuming 50% have adequate knowledge regarding Vertigo, 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level, and 5% non-response rate

• Sampling Technique: Convenience Sampling technique

• Sampling Criteria: First five patients who came to OPD were selected everyday till the completion of sample size after explaining the purpose of the study. Informed consent was taken from them and confidentiality  of the selected  participants was also maintained 

• Inclusive Criteria: Patients who were willing to participate in the study

• Exclusion Criteria: Patients who were not willing to participate in the study

Description of Tool:

• Demographic Data Survey Instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, gender, marital status, religion, employment, education, family’s monthly income etc

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions having three options (yes, no, don’t know).  The participants have to choose right one. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80%(16-20) = very good,60-79%(12-15) = Good, 41-59% (8-11) = Fair,<40% (<8) = poor

• Validity of Tool: By the experts in this field

• Data collection by  under the guidance of supervisors and patients were given 30 minutes time to complete that questionnaire and collected at the end of the prescribed time

• Data analysis with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies, percentage.

The goal of the current study was to assess the awareness regarding Vertigo among patients attending outpatient department of Civil hospital, Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh.

A total of 400 respondents including 137 (34.25%) were from urban area and 263(65.75%) were from rural area were participated in the study. Among the participants of the majority 260(65.0%) were males, 180(45%) were between 18-30 years, 154(38.5%) were Graduate, 279 (69.75%) were employee, 242(60.5%) were married and 384 (96%) were Hindu.

In the present study 19.5% (78)  participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards vertigo, 29.5% (118) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 28.75%(115) had fair knowledge  (8-11 marks) and 22.25% (89) having poor knowledge (<8 marks).

Table 1: Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Study Participants

Table 2: Knowledge Regarding Vertigo among Study Participants

Table 3: Knowledge towards Vertigo among Study Participants

Maximum = 20 Minimum = 6

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of awareness and knowledge regarding vertigo among patients attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh. The results revealed important insights into the knowledge and awareness of vertigo among the study participants.

The demographic characteristics of the participants indicated a diverse sample, with respondents from both urban and rural areas. The majority of participants were males, which could reflect differences in healthcare-seeking behavior or participation rates between genders. The age distribution showed that a significant proportion of participants were between 18-30 years, suggesting that vertigo affects individuals across different age groups.

The educational background of the participants revealed that a considerable number had completed their graduation. This indicates a higher level of education among the participants, which may have influenced their understanding of vertigo. However, it is important to consider that education alone does not necessarily guarantee accurate knowledge about specific medical conditions.

When assessing the level of understanding regarding vertigo, the results indicated that a significant proportion of participants had fair to poor knowledge. Only a small percentage of participants demonstrated very good or good knowledge about vertigo. This suggests a general lack of awareness and understanding regarding the condition among the study population.

Comparing these results with other studies conducted in different settings, there appears to be a consistent trend of limited knowledge and awareness about vertigo among patients. Similar studies conducted by Abdulraheem. et al. [10] in Saudi Arabia and Hanley et al11 in the United Kingdom also reported low levels of knowledge regarding vertigo among their respective study populations. Similarly, in the study done by Shaun Lee Chun Wah. et al. [2] only 57.9% of participants had an average level of awareness of vertigo. These findings suggest that the lack of awareness about vertigo is not specific to a particular region but rather a common issue globally.

The findings of this study highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to improve the knowledge and awareness of vertigo among patients in the study population. Increasing public awareness about vertigo can lead to early recognition of symptoms, timely medical consultation, and appropriate management. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in patient education and should prioritize providing accurate and accessible information about vertigo to their patients.

Limitations and Future Implications

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a specific geographic area, which may limit the generalizability of the results. Additionally, the study focused on the level of understanding regarding vertigo and did not explore the specific factors contributing to the knowledge gaps among the participants.

Further research is warranted to investigate the specific misconceptions and knowledge gaps related to vertigo in the study population. Additionally, comparative studies across different regions of Himachal Pradesh and India would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the awareness and knowledge levels regarding vertigo.

In conclusion, this study revealed a low level of understanding regarding vertigo among patients. The findings emphasize the need for targeted educational interventions to improve patient knowledge and awareness about vertigo. Healthcare providers should take an active role in providing accurate information and improving patient education, ultimately leading to better management and outcomes for patients with vertigo.

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2. Wah, Shaun Lee Chun. et al. "Awareness and knowledge of vertigo among the adult population of Selangor, Malaysia." Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences, vol. 10, no. 4, August 2022, pp. 831-839.

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7. Medical News Today. "Vertigo." Medical News Today, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160900. Accessed 12 May 2023.

8. WebMD. "Vertigo: Symptoms, causes, treatment." WebMD, www.webmd.com/brain/vertigo-symptoms-causes-treat ment. Accessed 11 May 2023.

9. Cleveland Clinic. "Vertigo." Cleveland Clinic, my.cleveland clinic.org/health/diseases/21769-vertigo. Accessed 12 May 2023.

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