Quality of life in adolescents with headache: Results from a population-based survey

Abstract

The aim of the investigation was to study the impact of headache on quality of life (QOL) in adolescents in a population-based sample (N = 1047, aged between 13 and 17 years). QOL was assessed using the KINDL-R (Revidierter Kinder Lebensqualitätsfragebogen) questionnaire with its six dimensions. In order to assess potential differences in the impact on QOL according to the type of headache, a stratified analysis was performed. QOL differences compared to the 'no headache' group are presented with adjustment for socio-demographic confounders. Headache at least once per month was reported in 48% of the adolescents and accounted for a small but significant reduction of 2.5 points in the total KINDL-R score, which was mainly caused by a reduction in physical wellbeing by 6.8 points. Adolescents with migraine reported higher reductions in physical wellbeing and total QOL than subjects with tension-type headache (TTH). The size of the reduction in QOL scores was small but similar to that observed for other chronic conditions in adolescents. Headache prevention programs might therefore have an impact on QOL in adolescents.