title: A questionnaire-based study on prevalence and treatment of headache in young children.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 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
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gallelli
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Iannacchero
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Caro
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Peltrone
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Colosimo
authors.forename: Giovambattista
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Sarro
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D013449:Sulfonamides; D001241:Aspirin; C012655:nimesulide