Prevalence of Headache in 11 to 18-Year-Old Students in Isfahan, Iran

• Main Authors: Omid Yaghini, Toran Mahmoudian, Shadi Behfar, Maryam Alavirad, Razieh Ghorbani, Bahareh Pooya
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: Vesnu Publications 2012-03-01
• Series: مجله دانشکده پزشکی اصفهان
• Subjects: Headache; Migraine; Tension headache; Child; Adolescent; Student; Iran
• Online Access: http://jims.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jims/article/view/1334

Background: Headache is one of the most common complaints in childhood and adolescence. However, few studies have been conducted concerning different types of headaches and their importance, particularly among Iranian students. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of various types of headaches and their related factors among 11 to 18-year-old students of Isfahan, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 4096 students who aged 11 to 18 years old during 2006-09. Stratified, cluster random sampling was used to select student from junior high schools, high schools, and pre-university schools in Isfahan. Required data including types of headaches, comorbid symptoms, and factors related to headaches were collected by referring to a physician through interviewing and completing a questionnaire. Findings: Out of 4096 subjects, 2047 (49.9%) had headaches. The frequency of total headaches, migraine headaches, and tension headaches were significantly higher among girls compared to boys (60.4% vs. 39.4%;   P < 0.01; 27% vs. 11.5%; P < 0.01; and 33.2% vs. 27.1%; P < 0.01, respectively). On the other hand, cluster headache was more common in male students than in females (39% vs. 0%; P = 0.01). In both sexes, the frequency of headache significantly increased with increasing age. While in most of female students (80%), the incidence of headache was not associated with a certain season, in male students, the incidence of headache was higher in winter (37.1%). There was a significant difference between female and male students in some factors related to the incidence of headache (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Approximately half of 11 to 18-year-old students of Isfahan suffer from one of the types of headaches among which migraine and tension headaches had a high prevalence. Enhancing the awareness and knowledge of the students and teachers through holding educational programs about how to treat and prevent headache attacks is recommended.