Recurrent headache in Indian adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the epidemiology and characteristics of primary recurrent headaches in Indian adolescents.


METHODS
This cross sectional study was conducted in three urban public schools. Adolescents of 9(th) to 12(th) grades were included and they were given a questionnaire in their classrooms in the presence of at least one of the authors, who assisted them in filling it. They were asked to provide responses based on most severe recurrent headache they had experienced rather than the more frequent one. Diagnosis was based upon the information contained in questionnaire, however, where it was inadequate, those subjects were approached telephonically. Statistical analysis was done with the help of SPSS v. 11.0. Descriptive analysis, Chi-Square test, Fisher's Exact test, and independent sample't' test were run.


RESULTS
2235 adolescents were included in the present study (boys: girls 1.6:1). 57.5% adolescents reported recurrent headaches in past one year. Migraine was the most prevalent (17.2%) headache followed by unspecified (14.9%) and tension type headache (11%). Family history of headache was more common in adolescents with headache (p < 0.001) compared to those without headache. Average age of headache onset was 11.33 yr (10.72 yr in girls vs. 11.75 years in boys; p < 0.001). 37.1% adolescents complained of progression of headache since its onset. A significantly higher proportion of girls suffered headache (p=0.018), particularly migraine, than boys. However, other characteristics of headache were not dependent upon gender. Headache was more prevalent in higher grades.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary Recurrent headaches are prevalent in Indian adolescents and migraine is comparatively the most prevalent type of headache. Female gender and increasing age is associated with higher chances to have headache, particularly migraine. It progresses in approximately one third of sufferers and aura increases the chances of worsening of headache.
Gupta
Ravi
R
Department of Psychiatry, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Delhi, India. guptaravi_2003@yahoo.co.in
Bhatia
Manjeet Singh
MS
Dahiya
Devendra
D
Sharma
Sameer
S
Sapra
Rahul
R
Semalti
Kapil
K
Dua
Raman Preet Singh
RP
D000293:Adolescent; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011336:Probability; D012008:Recurrence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D018781:Tension-Type Headache / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology