Perceived cause and characteristics of headache among undergraduate medical students of Government Medical College, Srinagar: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Headache is prevalent worldwide and it affects people in almost all age groups, irrespective of their gender, educational level, socioeconomic status, and occupation. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics, perceived cause, and medical consultation sought by undergraduate medical students of Government Medical College, Srinagar. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students of Government Medical College, Srinagar. One hundred students participated in the study. A 12-item structured questionnaire which included cause, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and frequency of headache was distributed among these students to be filled by them after a proper written consent. Results: Out of 100 participants, 60 were female. The most commonly reported cause of the headache was stress (25%), followed by disturbed sleep cycle (18%) and mobile phone use for social media in (13%) students. Aggravating factors such as less hours of sleep duration were reported by 40% of students and 27% reported having headache after not eating for several hours. Majority (51%) of the participants reported described pain as a sensation of constant pressure, which was mainly concentrated in the frontal region. Family history was found among 18% of students and only 22% had consulted doctor for headache symptoms. Conclusion: Stress was identified as the most common reported cause of headache and sleep as the most reported relieving factor among medical students of Government Medical College, Srinagar.