Self-reported effects of Ménière's disease on the individual's life: a qualitative analysis

To define the main consequences of Ménière's disease as perceived by individuals with the condition.

Open-ended questionnaire sent to a 1-in-6 sample of members of the Finnish Ménière's Association.

Two hundred members of the Finnish Ménière's Association reporting a diagnosis compatible with the condition.

Postal questionnaire, including the question "Please make a list of the main effects that your Ménière's disorder has on your life."

Number of respondents listing 1 or more consequences of their condition. Categories of responses listed and numbers of responses within the different categories as defined by World Health Organization-International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

There was a 79% response rate to the overall questionnaire, and 91% of the respondents listed 1 or more consequences of their Ménière's disease, with a mean of 3.4 consequences listed. These were divided according to the categories listed in International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Seventy percent of the respondents listed impairments, 39% activity limitations, 47% participation restrictions, 16% effects on environmental factors, and 28% on personal contextual factors. Although most impairments covered the main symptoms of the condition, 19% of the respondents listed "mental effects." Mobility problems were reported by more than half of those listing activity limitations, with most of the remainder being "communication." The 2 main areas of participation restrictions commonly reported were "community, social and civic life" and "work and employment."

Most individuals with Ménière's disease are able to specify important consequences (principally participation restrictions and activity limitations), many of which are not identified in symptom-orientated approaches.