A questionnaire-based study on prevalence and treatment of headache in young children.
Headache occurs in a large proportion of young students. In this study we evaluated the incidence of headache in young people, examined associated factors and described the drug therapy used. A structured questionnaire was directly administered to 2700 students of secondary schools of Catanzaro. We recorded that headache symptoms started between 9 and 12 years of age. The incidence density was higher in people living in the city (84%) and in tobacco and alcohol users than non-users (p < 0.01). The most common drugs used were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In 20% of people, this treatment induced the development of chronic headache. These data showed that morbidity from headache is often unrecognised and undertreated. Better management of headache symptoms and therapy could reduce the frequency of headache episodes, with a reduction of adverse drug reactions.
Gallelli
Luca
L
Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Via T. Campanella 115, I-88100, Catanzaro, Italy. luca_gallelli@hotmail.com
Iannacchero
Rosario
R
De Caro
Enzo
E
Peltrone
Francesco
F
Colosimo
Manuela
M
De Sarro
Giovambattista
G
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D013449:Sulfonamides; D001241:Aspirin; C012655:nimesulide