Awareness and health seeking behavior of vertigo among Indian elderly population

Abstract Background Vertigo and balance disorders are common among the elderly, causing falls, reduced mobility, and poorer quality of life. In India, the burden of vertigo is increasing with the aging population, yet awareness regarding its causes and management options remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to assess vertigo-related awareness and health-seeking behavior among diagnosed and undiagnosed Indian elderly individuals. Methodology A cross-sectional descriptive study using a self-designed 29-item questionnaire was conducted among 100 participants aged over 65 years. It assessed awareness and health-seeking behavior related to vertigo in Indian population, including both clinically diagnosed individuals and those with vertigo-like symptoms without a formal diagnosis. The questionnaire included 1st question of demographic details, 20 awareness items and 8 health-seeking behaviour items. Awareness items were analyzed individually using frequencies and percentages, with associations examined using chi-square tests. The questionnaire underwent expert review and was translated and back-translated into Gujarati. Results Most participants recognized that changes in position (88% diagnosed; 90% undiagnosed) and physical activity (84% diagnosed; 86% undiagnosed) could trigger symptoms, and 61% reported that vertigo could be managed. However, 52% were unaware of the benefits of physiotherapy-based/vestibular rehabilitation, while 61% relied on rest and 31% on medication for symptom management. Educational attainment was associated with knowledge that vertigo could be managed (χ²=9.540, p = 0.023). Age was associated with frequency of double or blurry vision (χ²=7.401, p = 0.025), while gender was associated with motion sickness ( p = 0.011). Item-level comparisons between diagnosed and undiagnosed groups did not show statistically significant differences for the available symptom-trigger and fall-risk items (all p > 0.05). Conclusion This study conclude that insufficient awareness and suboptimal health-seeking behavior regarding vertigo among the Indian elderly, particularly among undiagnosed individuals. These findings emphasize the need for targeted education, improved counseling, and greater promotion of vestibular rehabilitation by healthcare professionals.