Migraine and tension-type headache among undergraduate medical, dental and pharmaceutical students of University of Aleppo: a cross-sectional study

Associations of Electronic Device Use and Physical Activity with Headaches in Saudi Medical Students

Background and Objectives: Primary headaches are highly prevalent among medical students, negatively impacting their health and academic performance. Excessive electronic device use has been implicated as a risk factor, in contrast to physical activity, which may be a protective factor; however, comprehensive data are lacking, especially for Saudi medical trainees. This study aims to investigate the associations between device use, exercise, and headaches among Saudi medical students. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 504 medical students at Jazan University completed an online survey collecting sociodemographic factors, headache characteristics/triggers, electronic device habits, exercise frequency, and headache impacts. Descriptive analyses summarized sample characteristics. Logistic regression identified predictors of 12-month headache prevalence. Results: Overall, 83% reported experiencing headaches in the past year. High headache prevalence was observed among females (86.6%) and third-year students (88.3%). Using electronic devices ≥4 h daily was associated with higher adjusted odds of headaches (OR 13.89, 95% CI 1.96-98.54) compared to ≤1 h daily. Low physical activity (exercising 1 day vs. 7 days a week) also increased headache odds (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.61-9.42). Headaches impairing productivity (OR 4.39, 95% CI 2.28-8.45) and exacerbated by exercise (OR 10.37, 95% CI 2.02-53.35) were further associated with headache susceptibility. Conclusions: Excessive electronic device use and physical inactivity appear to be modifiable risk factors for frequent headaches in Saudi medical students. Multifaceted interventions incorporating education campaigns, skills training, and support services focused on promoting responsible technology habits, and regular exercise may help mitigate headaches in this population. Robust longitudinal studies and trials are warranted to establish causal mechanisms between lifestyle factors and headaches among medical undergraduates.

Evaluation of Headache Trends among Undergraduate First Responders for Medical Emergencies at Saudi University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background and objective: Headache is more common among students and may be a crucial indication of mental health; it can have a detrimental impact if left untreated, especially on students, and may affect their academic performance. Thus, this study aimed to assess the headache trends among undergraduate first responders for medical emergencies at Saudi University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was undertaken over three months in 2023 to analyze headache patterns among emergency medical services (EMS) students using prevalidated questionnaires. The data were collected via convenience sampling and processed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 26 program (IBM Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The current findings show that the majority 90.6% (n = 164) of the participants had at least one episode of headache in the last week. With regard to the number of days students had a headache during the last week, 21.5% (n = 39) of them reported 2 days, while 18.8% (n = 34) reported 1 day only. About slightly less than half (48.6% (n = 88)) of students reported that the usual site of the headache was frontal, followed by temporal 27.1% (n = 49), and 23.3% (n = 42) reported orbital. When students were asked whether a headache aggravates their routine activity, 40.3% agreed with this statement, and 44.2% of students reported that a headache causes them to avoid their routine activity (reading writing, attending college). The majority of the students considered taking analgesics (60.8%), followed by sleeping (26.5%), caffeine (14.4%), and herbal and alternative remedies (7.7%) for the relief of headaches. Although headache episodes were significantly associated with routine activities (reading writing, attending college) (p = 0.018, t = 2.282) daily activities (walking, running) (p = 0.022, t = 2.307). The findings showed that fourth-year EMS students were found to have higher headache pain intensity scores compared to other students (p = 0.046). Similarly, the pain intensity was significantly higher among the students between 1-3 and >7 episodes of headaches (p = 0.001) Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that Saudi emergency medical services students suffer from headaches. However, the current findings revealed variation in the headache pain intensity scores concerning the year of study.

Headache-a challenge across medical students' life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Headache is a disabling disease that affects psychosocial factors. Medical students are recognized to be more susceptible to psychological stress than other. Quantitative summaries of prevalence studies on this subject are limited. The aim of this study was to quantify and comprehend the variance in prevalence at the global and regional levels.

METHODS

We used a comprehensive search approach to find studies on headaches prevalence in the medical literature published between November 1990 and May 5, 2022. Database searched were PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Studies that reported headaches (unspecified, migraine, or tension-type headache (TTH)) in medical students were included. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were applied to investigate heterogeneity, with the risk of bias tool employed to assess study quality. PROSPERO number CRD42022321556 was assigned to the study protocol.

RESULTS

Out of 1561 studies, 79 were included. The pooled prevalence estimates of unspecified headache, migraine, and TTH were 70.44% (95% CI: 63.32-77.57), 18.9% (95% CI: 15.7-22.0), and 39.53% (95% CI: 31.17-47.90), respectively. TTH and migraine were more prevalent in Eastern Mediterranean and American region. TTH and migraine were less prevalent in higher income countries.

CONCLUSION

Although the prevalence of headaches among medical students varies in different countries, it is higher than the general population of the same age. Higher stressors and overwork in these students may contribute to this condition. The well-being of medical students should be a priority for the relevant authorities.

The Relationship of Tobacco Use and Migraine: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Tobacco use is associated with significant health consequences especially for people with medical conditions. Although lifestyle strategies (e.g., sleep, diet) are commonly recommended as part of migraine treatment, tobacco-related strategies (e.g., smoking cessation) are rarely included. This review is aimed at elucidating what is known about tobacco use and migraine and at identifying gaps in the research.

RECENT FINDINGS

The prevalence of smoking is higher among people with migraine, and people with migraine believe that smoking makes migraine attacks worse. There is also evidence that smoking may exacerbate migraine-related consequences (e.g., stroke). Very few studies have examined other aspects of smoking and migraine or tobacco products other than cigarettes. There are significant gaps in our knowledge of smoking and migraine. More research is needed to understand the relationship of tobacco use to migraine and potential benefits of adding smoking cessation efforts into migraine care.

Assessment of Headache Characteristics, Impact, and Managing Techniques among Pharmacy and Nursing Undergraduates-An Observational Study

Background and Objectives: Many different forms of headaches can change or impact daily activity and quality of life, which increases the financial burden on society over time. Undergraduates who get headaches may be absent from attending lectures, perform less well on their daily tasks and academic achievement, as well as struggle to build and maintain relationships with peers and mentors. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the headache-related characteristics and managing approaches among Saudi pharmacy and nursing students at a Saudi university, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A survey questionnaire was administered in this cross-sectional study to participants at a Saudi university, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Participants included males. The sample size was calculated with Raosoft® software. Data analysis was executed using IBM Statistic SPSS, and the level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 236 participants completed the questionnaires. The majority, i.e., 218 (92.4%) of them, were male; in addition, 124 (52.5%) were aged between 26 and 30, 124 (52.5%) were pharmacy students, 112 (47.5%) were nursing students, and 134 (56.8%) were smokers. When asked about ever having at least one episode of headache during the week, 66.1% (n = 156) agreed that they had one episode of headache, although 57 (24.2%) of the students had a headache for five days during a week. With regard to the impact of headaches on everyday activities, only 34.7% of the students said that headache disrupted their regular activities. Almost 41% of the students agreed that headache impacted their academic performance. Nearly 34% of students (n = 79) who had headaches considered napping, while 33% (n = 64) took painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines, and 25% (n = 59) considered taking caffeine. In this study, the participants’ ages and headache severity were strongly associated (p = 0.0001). More pharmacy students (66.1%) reported having severe headaches than nursing students (14.3%) (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: The current findings revealed that most of the undergraduates suffered from headaches, and the intensity of the pain was moderate; furthermore, one in four undergraduates reported that headaches impacted their academic performance. Caffeine and simple analgesics and anti-inflammatories were used for headache relief.

Clinical-Epidemiology of Tension-Type Headache among the Medical and Dental Undergraduates of King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia

Introduction (background): Headache is the primary complaint among students. Headaches mostly have multifactorial causes. The degree of headache severity significantly impacts attitudes, behavior, and academic performance. Objectives: Here, we investigate the demographic epidemiology of tension-type headaches (T.T.H.), and determine the clinical presentation and triggers of the tension-type among headache sufferers. Methods (settings, design): An institutional-based cross-sectional study (descriptive) was conducted on the medical and dental undergraduates at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia, from 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2021. Data were gathered using a pre-designed questionnaire. A consecutive sampling method was used in a COVID-19-constrained environment. After preliminary screening of the study population, 460 samples were included. An electronic questionnaire was shared with them, and they were requested to respond. Results: More than half of the participants (258, 56.1%) experienced tension-type headaches, while the remaining 202 (43.9%) never felt a headache. Tension-type headaches manifested as heaviness of the head (44, 17.0%), tightness (126, 48.8%), and dull aching pain (66, 25.7%). Conclusions: T.T.H. is a prevalent condition with a significant impingement on academic work, and psychological health. Tension-type headache sufferers are advised to keep daily diaries to determine triggers, and plan for prevention and treatment progression.

Student pharmacist characteristics and management of headache

INTRODUCTION

Headache is a prevalent, debilitating condition that affects 50% of adults globally. Little is known about headache among student pharmacists. This study describes the characteristics and management of headache among student pharmacists as well as implications for pharmacy education.

METHODS

Data were collected on headache characteristics, symptoms, triggers, impact, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management strategies using an online questionnaire sent to all student pharmacists at one United States college of pharmacy in April 2021. Students who completed the questionnaire and reported having headache were included. Data were compared between graduating class years using chi-square and Kruskall-Wallis tests as appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 111 students were included in the study. The most commonly reported headache characteristics were throbbing and pressure-like, moderate intensity, and < four  hours duration. The most common symptoms were neck or shoulder pain and mood or personality changes. The strongest headache trigger was sleep quantity. The most commonly used pharmacologic strategy was caffeine, and the most commonly used non-pharmacologic strategies were rest or sleep and drinking water. There were no significant differences between graduating class years for any variable except amount of screen time.

CONCLUSIONS

Student pharmacists with headache in this study had characteristics, symptoms, and triggers of headaches in keeping with existing knowledge and used a variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management strategies. Headache posed a burden for students, suggesting there may be a need for greater student support despite their perception that headache had a low impact on their grades.

Prevalence of migraine and tension‐type headache among undergraduate medical students of Kathmandu Valley: A cross‐sectional study

Background

Headache is the most prevalent neurological symptom which can be of a serious condition, as in brain tumor, but mostly it is a benign condition that includes primary headache such as migraine or tension‐type headache (TTH). Migraine reoccurs frequently and is more severe but owing to the high prevalence of TTH, however, impaired quality of life due to TTH is greater than that of migraine at the population level. Medical students are constantly subjected to stress and in such a condition, it was necessary to find out the burden of headache among medical students. This cross‐sectional study done among medical students aims to generate some data and literature which will change the outlook of stakeholders towards headache disorders among medical students.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study is based upon Headache Screening Questionnaire—English Version questionnaire based upon the ICHD‐3 beta criteria. Medical students of Kathmandu valley were sampled by using convenient sampling and data were collected. Data were refined in Microsoft Excel and imported to SPSS 20 for analysis.

Results

A total of 352 individuals were part of this study, out of which 229 (65.1%) were males and 123 (34.9%) were females with a mean age of 21.72 ±  1.601 years (mean ± SD). Prevalence of migraine and TTH was found to be 15.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.7%–19.3%) and 40.3% (95% CI: 34.9–45.2), respectively. Through multivariate binomial regression, it was observed that the odds of being diagnosed with migraine increased with age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.266 [1.013–1.583], p = 0.038), females had twice the odds of experiencing migraine headaches compared to males (AOR = 2.119 [1.074–4.180], p = 0.03), and medical students who stayed at the hostel were at lesser odds of experiencing migraine headache (AOR = 2.772 [1.501–5.118], p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Prevalence of migraine and TTH among undergraduate medical students was found to be 15.3% and 40.3%, respectively.