Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap And Impaired Participation Research Articles

Australian Headache Epidemiology Data (AHEAD): a pilot study to assess sampling and engagement methodology for a nationwide population-based survey

BackgroundThere are no robust population-based Australian data on prevalence and attributed burden of migraine and medication-overuse headache (MOH) data. In this pilot cross-sectional study, we aimed to capture the participation rate, preferred response method, and acceptability of self-report questionnaires to inform the conduct of a future nationwide migraine/MOH epidemiological study.MethodsWe developed a self-report questionnaire, available in hard-copy and online, including modules from the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire, the Eq. 5D (quality of life), and enquiry into treatment gaps. Study invitations were mailed to 20,000 randomly selected households across Australia’s two most populous states. The household member who most recently had a birthday and was aged ≥ 18 years was invited to participate, and could do so by returning a hard-copy questionnaire via reply-paid mail, or by entering responses directly into an online platform.ResultsThe participation rate was 5.0% (N = 1,000). Participants’ median age was 60 years (IQR 44–71 years), and 64.7% (n = 647) were female. Significantly more responses were received from areas with relatively older populations and middle-level socioeconomic status. Hard copy was the more commonly chosen response method (n = 736). Females and younger respondents were significantly more likely to respond online than via hard-copy.ConclusionsThis pilot study indicates that alternative methodology is needed to achieve satisfactory engagement in a future nationwide migraine/MOH epidemiological study, for example through inclusion of migraine screening questions in well-resourced, interview-based national health surveys that are conducted regularly by government agencies. Meanwhile, additional future research directions include defining and addressing treatment gaps to improve migraine awareness, and minimise under-diagnosis and under-treatment.

The prevalence and demographic associations of headache in the adult population of Peru: a national cross-sectional population-based study

BackgroundThe Global Campaign against Headache is conducting a series of population-based studies to fill the large geographical gaps in knowledge of headache prevalence and attributable burden. One major region not until now included is South America. Here we present a study from Peru, a country of 32.4 million inhabitants located at the west coast of South America, notable for its high Andes mountains.MethodsThe study was conducted in accordance with the standardized methodology used by the Global Campaign. It was a cross-sectional survey using cluster randomised sampling in five regions to derive a nationally representative sample, visiting households unannounced, and interviewing one randomly selected adult member (aged 18–65 years) of each using the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire translated into South American Spanish. The neutral screening question (“Have you had headache in the last year?”) was followed by diagnostic questions based on ICHD-3 and demographic enquiry.ResultsThe study included 2,149 participants from 2,385 eligible households (participating proportion 90.1%): 1,065 males and 1,084 females, mean age 42.0 ± 13.7 years. The observed 1-year prevalence of all headache was 64.6% [95% CI: 62.5–66.6], with age-, gender- and habitation-adjusted prevalences of 22.8% [21.0-24.6] for migraine (definite + probable), 38.9% [36.8–41.0] for tension-type headache (TTH: also definite + probable), 1.2% [0.8–1.8] for probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH) and 2.7% [2.1–3.5] for other headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15+). One-day prevalence of headache (reported headache yesterday) was 12.1%. Migraine was almost twice as prevalent among females (28.2%) as males (16.4%; aOR = 2.1; p < 0.001), and strongly associated with living at very high altitude (aOR = 2.5 for > 3,500 versus < 350 m).ConclusionThe Global Campaign’s first population-based study in South America found headache disorders to be common in Peru, with prevalence estimates for both migraine and TTH substantially exceeding global estimates. H15 + was also common, but with fewer than one third of cases diagnosed as pMOH. The association between migraine and altitude was confirmed, and found to be strengthened at very high altitude. This association demands further study.

The burden attributable to primary headache disorders in children and adolescents in Ethiopia: estimates from a national schools-based study.

We previously reported high prevalences of headache disorders among children (6-11 years) and adolescents (12-17 years) in Ethiopia. Here we provide data on headache-attributed burden collected contemporaneously from the same study participants. Part of the global schools-based programme within the Global Campaign against Headache, the study is the first to present such data from sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional survey following the generic protocol for the global study was conducted in six schools (urban and rural), in Addis Ababa city and three regions of Ethiopia. The child or adolescent versions of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) structured questionnaires were self-completed under supervision by pupils in class. Headache diagnostic questions were based on ICHD-3 beta but for the inclusion of undifferentiated headache (UdH). Of 2,349 eligible participants, 2,344 completed the questionnaires (1,011 children [43.1%], 1,333 adolescents [56.9%]; 1,157 males [49.4%], 1,187 females [50.6%]; participating proportion 99.8%). Gender- and age-adjusted 1-year prevalence of headache, reported previously, was 72.8% (migraine: 38.6%; tension-type headache [TTH]: 19.9%; UdH: 12.3%; headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15+): 1.2%). Mean headache frequency was 2.6 days/4 weeks but, with mean duration of 2.7h, mean proportion of time with headache was only 1.0% (migraine: 1.4%; TTH: 0.7%; H15+: 9.1%). Mean intensity was 1.8 on a scale of 1-3. Symptomatic medication was consumed on about one third of headache days across headache types. Lost school time reportedly averaged 0.7 days over the preceding 4 weeks, representing 3.5% of school time, but was 2.4 days/4 weeks (12.0%) in the important small minority with H15+. However, actual absences with headache the day before indicated averages overall of 9.7% of school time lost, and 13.3% among those with migraine. Emotional impact and quality-of-life scores reflected other measures of burden, with clear adverse impact gradients (H15 + > migraine > TTH > UdH). The high prevalence of headache among children and adolescents in Ethiopia, who represent half its population, is associated with substantial burden. Lost school time is probably the most important consequence. Estimates suggest a quite deleterious effect, likely to be reflected in both individual prospects and the prosperity of society.

IJCM_366A: Role of lifestyle factors in migraine among adolescent students of a senior secondary school in east Sikkim

Background: Migraine can be a debilitating condition. It can manifest as severe throbbing pain, often with nausea, light and sound sensitivity. It can negatively impact school performance and quality of life. Objective: 1. To assess the prevalence of migraine in adolescent students. 2. To check the relation of stress and anxiety as triggers in migraine Methodology: A cross-sectional-study was conducted in a senior secondary school among 200 adolescent students (Class X, XI, XII) via anonymous self-administered questionnaire method. Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) Questionnaire developed by World Health Organization and Headache Triggers Sensitivity and Avoidance Questionnaire-Short Form(HTSAQ-SF) was used. Conclusion: Awareness about stress and anxiety as a trigger for migraine must be emphasized. Measures to manage stress and anxiety may help students manage migraine headache better Results: The prevalence of migraine was 26% among the adolescent students. Among them, anxiety was found to be a trigger for migraine in 58%(p=0.000) (Trigger frequency: Sometimes-31%, Usually-8%, Always-19%). Stress was found to be a trigger in all of them with migraine(p=0.000) (Trigger Frequency- Sometimes-50%, Usually- 15%, Always - 35%).

The burden of headache disorders in North India: methodology, and validation of a Hindi version of the HARDSHIP questionnaire, for a community-based survey in Delhi and national capital territory region

BackgroundKnowledge of the prevalence and attributable burden of headache disorders in India is sparse, with only two recent population-based studies from South and East India. These produced conflicting results. A study in North India is needed. We report the methodology of such a study using, and validating, a Hindi translation of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap, and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire developed by Lifting The Burden (LTB). Almost half of the Indian population speak Hindi or one of its dialects.MethodsThe study adopted LTB’s standardized protocol for population-based studies in a cross-sectional survey using multistage random sampling conducted in urban Delhi and a surrounding rural area. Trained interviewers visited households unannounced, randomly selected one adult member from each and applied the Hindi version of HARDSHIP in face-to-face interviews. The most bothersome headache reported by participants was classified algorithmically into headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15 +), migraine (including definite and probable) or tension-type headache (including definite and probable). These diagnoses were mutually exclusive. All participants diagnosed with H15 + and a 10% subsample of all others were additionally assessed by headache specialists and classified as above. We estimated the sensitivity and specificity of HARDSHIP diagnoses by comparison with the specialists’ diagnoses.ResultsFrom 3,040 eligible households, 2,066 participants were interviewed. The participating proportions were 98.3% in rural areas but 52.9% in urban Delhi. In the validation subsample of 291 participants (149 rural, 142 urban), 61 did not report any headache (seven of those assessed by HARDSHIP, eight by headache specialists and 46 by both) [kappa = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.74-0.91]. In the remaining 230 participants who reported headache in the preceding year, sensitivity, specificity and kappa with (95% CI) were 0.73 (0.65-0.79), 0.80 (0.67-0.90) and 0.43 (0.34-0.58) for migraine; 0.71 (0.56-0.83), 0.80 (0.730.85) and 0.43 (0.37-0.62) for TTH and 0.75 (0.47-0.94), 0.93 (0.89-0.96) and 0.46 (0.34-0.58) for H15 + respectively.ConclusionThis study validates the Hindi version of HARDSHIP, finding its performance similar to those of other versions. It can be used to conduct population surveys in other Hindi-speaking regions of India.

Assessment of headache in children with psychiatric symptoms

Background: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between headaches and psychiatric symptoms in a psychiatric clinic. Methods: We compared 102 children aged 8-16 years (31 girls, 30.4%) who presented to the child and adolescent psychiatry clinic (study group) with 100 children aged 8-16 years, (52 girls, 52%) who did not (control group). Headache was evaluated with the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap, and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) Questionnaire. Psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, sleep, attention, hyperactivity) were evaluated via standardized scales. Results: The study group had more headaches in the preceding year as well as the day before. Depression, anxiety and sleep problems were positively correlated with headache frequency in the preceding week in the study group, and in the study group, children with migraine had more depression, anxiety, and emotional problems. While the total quality of life (QoL) scores were not significantly different between groups, migraine decreased the QoL in both the study and control groups. Conclusion: This study indicates that headache type and burden should be evaluated in psychiatric clinics as depression and anxiety are associated with headache, especially migraine.

The prevalence of primary headache disorders in children and adolescents in Zambia: a schools-based study

BackgroundThe Global Campaign against Headache collects data from children (6–11 years) and adolescents (12–17) to inform health and education policies and contribute to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. This survey in Zambia, part of this global enquiry, was the second from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).MethodsFollowing the generic protocol, this was a schools-based cross-sectional survey. We used the child and adolescent versions of the structured Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire, self-completed by pupils within classes, in a total of nine schools in Lusaka (urban) and Copperbelt (semi-rural). These two of Zambia’s ten provinces were selected to represent the country’s urban/rural divide. Headache diagnostic questions were based on ICHD-3 except for undifferentiated headache (UdH).ResultsOf 2,759 potential participants, 2,089 (615 children [29.4%], 1,474 adolescents [70.6%]) completed questionnaires (participating proportion 75.7%). Children were therefore under-represented (mean age 13.1 ± 2.8 years), while gender distribution (1,128 [54.0%] male, 961 [46.0%] female) was close to expectation. Observed lifetime prevalence of headache was 97.5%. Gender- and age-adjusted 1-year prevalence estimates were 85.8% for all headache, 53.2% for migraine (definite 17.5%, probable 35.7%), 12.1% for tension-type headache (TTH), 14.8% for UdH, 3.3% for all headache on ≥ 15 days/month and 0.9% for probable medication-overuse headache. Headache durations were short: only 28.6% of participants with any headache, and only 10.5% of those diagnosed as probable migraine, reported usual durations of > 2 h (the threshold for definite migraine). Of the latter, 36.6% reported < 1 h, the duration criterion for UdH. There were weak associations of migraine (definite + probable) with female gender, and of TTH and headache on ≥ 15 days/month with adolescence. Headache yesterday was reported by 22.2% of the sample, 25.5% of those with headache.ConclusionsHeadache disorders among young people are prevalent in Zambia. Among them, migraine is the most common, with UdH also highly prevalent. In this study there were diagnostic uncertainties, which rested to a large extent on the distinction between migraine and UdH among the many participants reporting headache of < 2 h’ duration. Similar uncertainties occurred in the first study in SSA, in Ethiopia. Because of these, we conclude only that migraine affects at least 17.5% of these age groups in Zambia, which is still a large proportion, adult prevalence in an earlier study being 22.9%. Supplementary estimates of attributed burden are needed to inform public-health and educational policies in Zambia.

Translation of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire into the Croatian language, and its diagnostic validation

Translation of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire into the Croatian language, and its diagnostic validation

Primary Headache Disorder Among School Students in Kuwait.

Background: Primary headaches are remarkably prevalent worldwide and are increasingly reported among children. However, the exact trend in this age group, particularly in the Gulf region, remains largely unknown.Aims and Objectives: To examine the prevalence of primary headache disorders among primary and middle school students in Kuwait.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study that included Kuwaiti primary and middle school children and adolescents of both genders in randomly selected schools located in two governorates in Kuwait in the 2018/2019 academic year. Prevalence and attributable burden of headaches, definite and probable migraines, definite and probable tension-type headaches, chronic headaches (≥15 days/month), and probable medication-overuse headaches were assessed using the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap, and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire for children and adolescents.Results: Of 1,485 questionnaires that were distributed, 1,089 students completed the questionnaire with a respondent rate of 73.4%. The study population consisted of 420 boys (38.56%) and 669 girls (61.43%) students with a mean age of 11.5 ± 2.11 years. The 1-year prevalence of primary headache disorders was 42.78%, with more middle schoolers reporting headaches than primary schoolers (50.37 vs. 30.48%; p < 0.02). The mean age of students with primary headaches was 11.98 ± 2.03 years in both genders. When stratified according to diagnostic criteria, migraine headaches were the most frequently reported (20.75%), followed by tension type headaches (18.8%), chronic headaches (2.75%), and probable medication-overuse headaches (0.46%). Primary headaches were significantly higher in girls compared to boys among middle schoolers (66.46 vs. 38.49%; p < 0.001); however, no significant difference between genders was noted among primary school students (33.12 vs. 22.33%; p < 0.118).Conclusion: Primary headaches are remarkably common in Kuwaiti school students, with migraine headaches being the most frequently reported type. Age and female gender may play a role in the development of primary headaches. These findings necessitate the direction of health services and research efforts toward this age group and warrant the need for further epidemiological studies.

Impact of Puberty in Girls on Prevalence of Primary Headache Disorder Among Female Schoolchildren in Kuwait.

Background: The prevalence of primary headaches in the pediatric population is shaped by many factors, of which pubertal status may possibly play a substantial role. Epidemiological studies in the pediatric population in the gulf region remain scarce.Aims and objectives: To examine the impact of puberty on the prevalence of primary headache disorders among female schoolchildren in Kuwait.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study that included Kuwaiti primary and middle schoolgirls in randomly selected schools located in two governorates in Kuwait during the academic year 2018/2019. Prevalence of headache was assessed using the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire for children and adolescents. Female students were asked about their menarchal status and whether they attained menarche before or after experiencing headaches.Results: The questionnaire was completed by 669 girls with a mean age of 11.44 ± 2.14 years. The 1-year prevalence of migraine headache disorder among girls was 23.62%, and the lifetime prevalence of any headache was 84.9%, whereas the 1-year prevalence of primary headache disorders was 47.98%. The mean age of girls with headaches was 11.44 ± 2.14 years. With respect to diagnostic criteria, migraine headache was the most frequently reported (23.62%), followed by tension-type headaches (20.93%), chronic headaches (2.99%), and probable medication-overuse headaches (0.45%). Postpubertal females were at significantly higher risk of having primary headaches compared to their prepubertal counterparts (64.26 vs. 34%; p < 0.0001). All types of primary headaches were more significantly prevalent among postpubertal girls compared to those who are prepubertal.Conclusion: Migraine headache is commonly reported among Kuwaiti schoolgirls. Postpubertal females are at higher risk of developing primary headaches compared to prepubertal females. Pubertal transition and female sex hormones may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of headaches, migraines in particular, and further research is therefore needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Impact of primary headache disorder on quality of life among school students in Kuwait

BackgroundPrimary headache disorders have being increasingly reported in younger populations. They can have significant effects on their quality of life and academic achievement and may cause significant distress to their families.Aims and objectivesTo assess the burden of primary headache disorder and its impact on the quality of life on school student in Kuwait.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among Kuwaiti primary and middle school students of both genders in randomly selected schools located in two governorates in 2018/2019 academic year. Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire for children and adolescents was used to assess the impact of primary headaches on the quality of life.ResultsOne thousand and ninety-one questionnaires were completed by primary and middle school students of both genders; of whom 466 students (girls 321 (68.88%) were diagnosed with primary headache disorders with mean age 11.98 ± 2.03 years. In the month prior to the survey, the effect of the headache was variable. The students lost a mean of 1.99 ± 2.015 days of school while they could not perform their usual activities for a mean of 2.84 ± 4.28 days. Their parents lost a mean of 2 ± 2.03 days of work because of headaches of their children and parents prohibited 5.7% of the students to engage in any activity due to their headaches. Difficulties in concentrations were reported as never sometimes (39.1%), often (24.8%), and always (26%). Majority of the students (51.5%) experienced a feeling of sadness ranging from sometimes to always. Most of the students (67.3%) struggled to cope with the headache and 22.4% were never able to cope. Additionally, 19.4% of students reported they did not want others noticing their headache.ConclusionPrimary headache disorder can have a significant impact on the quality of life in children. It can affect their engagement in activities and academic achievement. Implementing strategies to properly manage schoolchildren with primary headaches can have profound effects on their quality of life.

The prevalence of primary headache disorders in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional population-based study

BackgroundThe large geographical gaps in our knowledge of the prevalence and burden of headache disorders include most of Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Following a nationwide population-based study in Pakistan, we present here a similar study from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Both were conducted as projects within the Global Campaign against Headache The two purposes of this study were to inform national health policy and contribute to global knowledge of headache disorders.MethodsWe surveyed Arabic-speaking adults aged 18–65 years in all 13 regions of KSA. While previous Global Campaign studies have engaged participants by calling at randomly selected households, the culture of KSA made this unacceptable. Participants were, instead, contacted by cell-phone (since cell-phone coverage exceeded 100% in KSA), using random-digit dialling. Trained interviewers used a culturally adapted version of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire, with diagnostic enquiry based on ICHD-II. We estimated 1-year prevalences of the headache disorders of public-health importance (migraine, tension-type headache [TTH] and probable medication-overuse headache [pMOH]) and examined their associations with demographic variables.ResultsA total of 2316 participants (mean age of 32.2 ± 10.7 years; 62.3% male; 37.7% female) were included (participation proportion 86.5%). Gender and age distributions imperfectly matched those of the national population, requiring adjustments for these to prevalence estimates. Observed 1-year prevalence of all headache was 77.2%, reducing to 65.8% when adjusted. For headache types, adjusted 1-year prevalences were migraine 25.0%, TTH 34.1%, pMOH 2.0% and other headache on ≥15 days/month 2.3%. Adjusted 1-day prevalence of any headache was 11.5%. Migraine and pMOH were associated with female gender (ORs: 1.7 and 4.7; p < 0.0001). Migraine was negatively associated with age > 45 years (OR: 0.4; p = 0.0143) while pMOH was most prevalent in those aged 46–55 years (OR: 2.7; p = 0.0415). TTH reportedly became more common with increasing level of education.ConclusionPrevalences of migraine and TTH in KSA are considerably higher than global averages (which may be underestimated), and not very different from those in Pakistan. There is more pMOH in KSA than in Pakistan, reflecting, probably, its higher-income status and greater urbanisation (facilitating access to medication).

Primary headache disorders among the adult population of Mongolia: prevalences and associations from a population-based survey

BackgroundIn the ongoing Global Campaign endeavour to improve knowledge and awareness of headache prevalence worldwide, Mongolia is a country of interest. It sits between Russia and China, in which prevalence is, respectively, much higher and much lower than the estimated global mean. We conducted a population-based study in Mongolia both to add to knowledge and to inform local health policy.MethodsUsing standardized methodology with cluster random sampling, we selected Mongolian adults (aged 18–65 years) from five regions reflecting the country’s diversities. They were interviewed by trained researchers, cold-calling at their homes, using the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) structured questionnaire following pilot-testing. ICHD-3 beta diagnostic criteria were applied.ResultsN = 2043 (mean age 38.0 [±13.4] years, 40% urban-dwelling and 60% rural), with a non-participation proportion of 1.7%. Males were somewhat underrepresented, for which corrections were made. The crude 1-year prevalence of any headache was 66.1% (95% CI: 64.0–68.2%), with a strong female preponderance (OR: 2.2; p < 0.0001). Age- and gender-adjusted prevalences were: migraine 23.1% (for females, OR = 2.2; p < 0.0001); tension-type headache (TTH) 29.1% (no gender difference); probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH) 5.7% (trending towards higher in females); other headache on ≥15 days/month 5.0% (for females, OR = 2.2; p = 0.0008). Unclassified cases were only 35 (1.7%). Any headache yesterday was reported by 410 (20.1%; for females, OR = 2.4; p < 0.0001). Only pMOH showed a strong association with age, peaking in middle years with a 5-fold increase in prevalence. Migraine showed a consistent association with educational level, while pMOH showed the reverse, and was also more common among other groups than among participants who were single (never married). Migraine was less common among rural participants than urban (OR: 0.80; p = 0.0326), while pMOH again showed the reverse (OR: 2.4; p < 0.0001). Finally, pMOH (but not migraine or TTH) was significantly associated with obesity (OR: 1.8; p = 0.0214).ConclusionHeadache disorders are common in Mongolia, with, most notably, a very high prevalence of headache on ≥15 days/month corroborated by the high prevalence of headache yesterday. The picture is very like that in Russia, and dissimilar to China. There are messages for national health policy.

Prevalence and burden of headache in children and adolescents in Austria \u2013 a nationwide study in a representative sample of pupils aged 10\u201318\u2009years

BackgroundHeadache disorders are highly prevalent worldwide, but not so well investigated in children and adolescents as in adults: few studies have included representative nationwide samples. No data exist for Austria until now. In a representative sample of children and adolescents in Austria, we estimated the prevalence and attributable burden of headache disorders, including the new diagnostic category of “undifferentiated headache” (UdH) defined as mild headache lasting less than 1 hour.MethodsWithin the context of a broader national mental health survey, children and adolescents aged 10–18 years were recruited from purposively selected schools. Mediated self-completed questionnaires included sociodemographic enquiry (gender, age, socioeconomic status, family constellation, residence [urban or rural] and migration background). Prevalence and attributable burden of all headache, UdH, migraine (definite plus probable), tension-type headache (TTH: definite plus probable) and headache on ≥15 days/month (H15+) were assessed using the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire for children and adolescents. Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) was assessed using the KIDSCREEN questionnaire.ResultsOf 7643 selected pupils, 3386 (44.3%) completed the questionnaires. The 1-year prevalence of headache was 75.7%, increasing with age and higher in girls (82.1%) than in boys (67.7%; p < 0.001). UdH, migraine, TTH and H15+ were reported by 26.1%, 24.2%, 21.6% and 3.0% of participants. Attributable burden was high, with 42% of those with headache experiencing restrictions in daily activities. Medication use (50% overall) was highest in H15+ (67%) and still considerable in UdH (29%). HrQoL was reduced for all headache types except UdH. Participants in single parent or patchwork families had a higher probability of migraine (respectively, OR 1.5, p < 0.001; OR 1.5, p < 0.01). Participants with a migration background had a lower probability of TTH (OR 0.7, p < 0.01).ConclusionsHeadache disorders are both very common and highly burdensome in children and adolescents in Austria. This study contributes to the global atlas of headache disorders in these age groups, and corroborates and adds knowledge of the new yet common and important diagnostic category of UdH. The findings call for action in national and international health policies, and for further epidemiological research.

Translation of the Child and Adolescent HARDSHIP (Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation) Questionnaire into the Lithuanian Language and Validation of Its HRQoL (Headache-Related Quality of Life) Scale.

Recently developed and originally published in English, the Child and Adolescent HARDSHIP (headache-attributed restriction, disability, social handicap and impaired participation) questionnaire is valid and acceptable for the global assessment of the burden of headache in children and adolescents. The present study aimed to translate, adapt and validate a Lithuanian version of this questionnaire. A total of 22 volunteers from 7 to 17 years of age completed the questionnaire with 24 h test-retest and a representative sample of 2505 schoolchildren of the same age participated in the main study. Test-retest reliability of the HRQoL (Headache Related Quality of Life) scale in the translated questionnaire showed substantial agreement (kappa: 0.604). Reliability and validity of the translated HRQoL scale were acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.749; test-retest kappa: 0.604, test for discriminant validity demonstrated that quality of life decreased by severity of headache). Factorial analysis revealed the two-dimensional structure of the HRQoL scale with indices of good model fit to the collected data. A total of 92.2% of the surveyed children had experienced headache in their lifetime, 74.2% during the last year. Girls and older children experienced headache more often than participants from the other groups. The translated Lithuanian version of the questionnaire seems to be a valid, feasible and acceptable instrument to measure the extent of the burden of headache in large populations.

A Study on Assessment of Frequency, Intensity, Disability and Severity Associated with Primary Headaches

Introduction: Primary headache is one of the major complaints that accounts for more than 1% of emergency visits worldwide. Currently global prevalence of primary headaches is 47%. However, the disease remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in a majority of suffering population, inspite of its disabling symptoms. Objective: To assess the frequency, intensity, disability and severity of primary headaches. Methodology: The study was designed as a prospective observational study and was carried out for a period of six months from November to April. The survey was performed by means of one to one interview, employing Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and headache diary. After three months, enrolled volunteers were followed up. Results: Amongst the study population (250), 50.4% (126) of the individuals were diagnosed with Tension Type Headache (TTH) and experienced mildly severe, pressing type, bilateral pain. However, migraine (113) was manifested majorly as throbbing/pulsating pain. Assessment of frequency depicted that 22.4% (56) of subjects experienced headache at least for two days in one month. Amongst the migraineurs 24.7% (28) reported an intensity of just bearable pain on the VAS. Conclusion: Quality of life was affected in individuals with headache due to the negligence of this condition in their lives. There is an immense need to counsel and treat such individuals as headache significantly affects their lifestyle.

Comorbidities of psychiatric and headache disorders in Nepal: implications from a nationwide population-based study.

BackgroundHeadache disorders, anxiety and depression – the major disorders of the brain – are highly comorbid in the western world. Whether this is so in South Asia has not been investigated, but the question is of public-health importance to countries in the region. We aimed to investigate associations, and their direction(s), between headache disorders (migraine, tension-type headache [TTH] and headache on ≥15 days/month) and psychiatric manifestations (anxiety, depression and neuroticism), and how these might affect quality of life (QoL).MethodsIn a nationwide, cross-sectional survey of the adult Nepalese population (N = 2100), trained interviewers applied: 1) a culturally-adapted version of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire to diagnose headache disorders; 2) a validated Nepali version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to detect anxiety (HADS-A), depression (HADS-D) and comorbid anxiety and depression (HADS-cAD); 3) a validated Nepali version of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised Short Form-Neuroticism (EPQRS-N); and 4) the World Health Organization Quality of Life 8-question scale (WHOQOL-8). Associations with headache types were analysed using logistic regression for psychiatric caseness and linear regression for neuroticism. Adjustments were made for age, gender, household consumption, habitat, altitude and use of alcohol and marijuana.ResultsHADS-A was associated with any headache (p = 0.024), most strongly headache on ≥15 days/month (AOR = 3.2) followed by migraine (AOR = 1.7). HADS-cAD was also associated with any headache (p = 0.050, more strongly among females than males [p = 0.047]) and again most strongly with headache on ≥15 days/month (AOR = 2.7), then migraine (AOR = 2.3). Likewise, neuroticism was associated with any headache (p < 0.001), most strongly with headache on ≥15 days/month (B = 1.6), followed by migraine (B = 1.3). No associations were found between HADS-D and any headache type, or between TTH and any psychiatric manifestation. Psychiatric caseness of any sort, when comorbid with migraine or TTH, aggravated the negative impact on QoL (p < 0.001).ConclusionHeadache disorders are highly comorbid with anxiety and show associations with neuroticism in Nepal, with negative consequences for QoL. These findings call for reciprocal awareness, and a holistic coordinated approach to management and in the health service. Care for common headache and common psychiatric disorders should be integrated in primary care.

Translation and validation of the Child and the Adolescent HARDSHIP (Headache-attributed restriction, disability, social handicap and impaired participation) questionnaire into Danish language.

Background. The prevalence of headaches among children and adolescents varies considerably between countries. This may be due to a lack of appropriate instruments to capture the prevalence. The purpose of this study was to translate the Child and Adolescent HARDSHIP questionnaires from English into Danish language, conduct cross-cultural adaptation, face validation by cognitive interviewing and conduct a pilot study exploring time requirements.Methods. The questionnaire was translated using the guidelines proposed by “The Global Campaign to Reduce the Burden of Headache.” A total of 25 children from 6 to 12 years of age completed the questionnaire with 24 h between test and retest to assess reliability. A total of 169 children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age completed the translated questionnaire to assess time requirements for completing it.Results. Only minor discrepancies were observed in the translation process. Test-retest reliability of the translated questionnaire showed substantial agreement (kappa: 0.65–0.78). The questionnaires were completed within 30 min (age 6–11 years of age) and within 15 min (age 12–17 years of age) respectively.Discussion. No major problems were observed in the forward translations of the questionnaires. The face validation prompted no major changes in the questionnaire. The face-to-face interviews showed that pupils of different ethnic backgrounds than Danish and pupils in the age group of 6–11 had more difficulty in understanding a minority of the questions. The Danish Child and Adolescent HARDSHIP questionnaire therefore complies with the intentions of the originators, aiming at a maximal completion time of 45 min and in comparison with actual completion time. The test-retest study showed substantial agreement between test and retest in the headache, migraine and MOH domains and questions referring to time.The Child and Adolescent HARDSHIP questionnaire, includes a section specifically recording a four-week period.The Child and Adolescent HARDSHIP questionnaire is intended to measure burden of headache in large populations and there is therefore no need to reflect the states of individuals. We therefore find the substantial reliability of the Danish version of the Child and Adolescent HARDSHIP questionnaire to be adequate, without supplementing with a diary. The pilot study indicates that headache is a major problem among children and adolescents in Denmark. A total of 95.3% of the pupils have experienced headache in their life, 76.6% during the last year. A total of 14% left school early because of their headache and 14.9% missed school during the last four weeks, due to headache. 49.2% have experienced headaches during the last week and 47% describe the headache as “quite bad.” A total of 24.1% have taken pills or medicine during the last week due to headache. This pilot study clearly demonstrates the need to investigate the burden of headache among Danish schoolchildren as it seems to have a profound effect on their lives.

The burden of headache disorders in Nepal: estimates from a population-based survey.

BackgroundHeadache disorders, particularly migraine and tension-type headache (TTH), are among the most prevalent global public-health problems. Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is a common sequela of mismanagement of these. Migraine and MOH are highly disabling. Formulation of responsive health policy requires reliable, locally-derived, population-based data describing both individual and societal impact of headache disorders. South-East Asia is the only one of WHO’s six world regions in which no such national data have yet been gathered.MethodsIn a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study, a representative sample of Nepalese-speaking adults (18–65 years) were randomly selected by stratified multistage cluster sampling. Trained interviewers made unannounced door-to-door visits and enquired into headache and its attributable burden using a culturally-adapted and validated Nepalese translation of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire.ResultsAmong 2100 participants, 1794 (85.4 %) reported headache during the preceding year (male: 689 [38.4 %], female 1105 [61.6 %]; mean age 36.1 ± 12.6 years). Mean headache frequency was 3.8 ± 6.2 days/month, mean headache intensity 2.1 ± 0.7 on a 0–3 scale, and mean attack duration 41.9 ± 108.5 h. All aspects of symptom burden (frequency, intensity and duration) were greater among females (p < 0.001). Participants with headache had poorer quality of life (QoL) than those without (p < 0.001); QoL was worst among those with probable MOH (pMOH).Mean proportions of total available time spent in the ictal state were 5.4 % among participants with migraine, 3.9 % among those with TTH and 44.7 % among those with pMOH, with headache-related disabilities of 2.4, 0.15 and 9.7 % respectively. At population level, these disorders were responsible for reduced functional capacities of 0.81, 0.06 and 0.20 %. Total lost productive time due to headache was 6.8 % for the 85 % of the population with headache. Males lost more paid worktime than females (p < 0.001); the reverse was so for household worktime (p < 0.001).ConclusionsHeadache disorders, very common in Nepal, are also highly burdensome at both individual and population levels. There is a substantial penalty in lost production. The remedy lies in better health care for headache; structured headache-care services are urgently needed in the country, and likely to be cost-saving.

The prevalence of primary headache disorders in Nepal: a nationwide population-based study.

BackgroundHeadache disorders are among the most prevalent and burdensome global public-health problems. Within countries, health policy depends upon knowledge of health within the local populations, but the South-East Asia Region (SEAR), among WHO’s six world regions, is the only one for which no national headache prevalence data are available.MethodsIn a cross-sectional population-based study, adults representative of the Nepali-speaking population aged 18–65 years and living in Nepal were randomly recruited using stratified multistage cluster sampling. They were visited unannounced at home by trained interviewers who used a culturally-adapted Nepali translation of the structured Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire.ResultsThere were 2,100 participants (1,239 females [59.0 %], 861 males [41.0 %]; mean age 36.4 ± 12.8 years) with 9 refusals (participation rate 99.6 %). Over half (1,100; 52.4 %) were resident above 1,000 m and almost one quarter (470; 22.4 %) lived at or above 2,000 m. The 1-year prevalence of any headache was 85.4 ± 1.5 % (gender- and age-adjusted 84.9 %), of migraine 34.7 ± 2.0 % (34.1 %), of tension-type headache (TTH) 41.1 ± 2.1 % (41.5 %), of headache on ≥15 days/month 7.7 ± 1.1 % (7.4 %) and of probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH) 2.2 ± 0.63 % (2.1 %).There was a strong association between migraine and living at altitude ≥1,000 m (AOR = 1.6 [95 % CI: 1.3-2.0]; p < 0.001). There was a less strong association between TTH and urban dwelling (AOR = 1.3 [95 % CI: 1.1-1.6]; p = 0.003), and a possibly artefactual negative association between TTH and living above 1,000 m (AOR = 0.7 [95 % CI: 0.6-0.8]; p < 0.001).ConclusionHeadache disorders are very common in Nepal. Migraine is unusually so, and strongly associated with living at altitude, which in very large part accounts for the high national prevalence: the age- and gender- standardised prevalence in the low-lying Terai is 27.9 %. Headache occurring on ≥15 days/month is also common. This new evidence will inform national health policy and provide a basis for health-care needs assessment. However, research is needed to explain the association between migraine and altitude, since it may be relevant to health-care interventions.