Epidemiological, clinical and pharmacological aspects of headache in a university undergraduate population in Palestine

The prevalence and severity of insomnia in university students and their associations with migraine, tension-type headache, anxiety and depression disorders: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

There is possibly an association between migraine, tension-type headache, anxiety, depression and insomnia. These conditions are prevalent among university students. Our primary objective was to verify whether students with primary headaches (migraine and tension-type headache) have a higher prevalence of insomnia. Our secondary objective was to assess whether the impact of headaches was associated with greater severity of insomnia.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study. 440 students out of 3030 were randomly selected. A semi-structured questionnaire containing information about the characteristics of the headaches, including their frequencies in the last 3 months; the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6); the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale; and the Insomnia Severity Index were used.

RESULTS

420 students (95.5%) agreed to participate; 51.4% men; median age of 21 (19, 23); 95 (22.6%) had insomnia; 265 (63.1%), migraine; 152 (36.2%), tension-type headache; 201 (47.9%) suffered from anxiety and 108 (25.7%), from depression. The severe impact of headache (HIT-6>55 points; OR = 3.9; p = 0.003) and anxiety (OR = 3.6; p = 0.003) were associated with insomnia (logistic regression). The severity of insomnia was positively and significantly correlated with the impact (HIT-6 score), with frequency of headache, and with having anxiety (multiple linear regression).

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnoses of migraine and tension-type headache are not associated with the presence of insomnia. The severity of insomnia is associated with the impact and the frequency of the headaches.

Sleep and somatic complaints in university students

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems are common among university students. Poor sleep is associated with impaired daily functioning, increased risk of psychiatric symptoms, and somatic complaints such as pain. Previous results suggest that poor sleep exacerbates pain, which in turn negatively affects sleep. The purpose of the present study was to determine prevalence rates, comorbidity, and role of depression as a factor of moderating the relationship between sleep and physical complaints in German university students.

SAMPLES AND METHODS

In total, 2443 German university students (65% women) completed a web survey. Self-report measures included the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, three modules of the Patient Health Questionnaire, and a questionnaire on the functional somatic syndromes (FSSs).

RESULTS

More than one-third (36.9%) reported poor sleep as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Somatoform syndrome was identified in 23.5%, and the prevalence of any FSS was 12.8%. Self-reported sleep quality, sleep onset latency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medications, and daytime dysfunctioning were significant predictors of somatoform syndrome, whereas sleep efficiency and sleep duration influenced somatic complaints indirectly. Moderate correlations were found between stress, anxiety, somatoform syndrome, depression, and overall sleep quality. The effect of somatic complaints on sleep quality was associated with the severity of depression. Anxiety shows direct effects on somatization and depression but only indirect associations with sleep quality.

Variability in measures of health and health behavior among emerging adults 1 year after high school according to college status

OBJECTIVE

To examine changes in health behaviors among US emerging adults 1 year after high school.

PARTICIPANTS

The national sample of participants (N = 1,927), including those attending 4-year college/university (n = 884), 2-year colleges/technical schools (n = 588), and no college (n = 455), participated in annual spring surveys 2013-2014.

METHODS

Health behaviors were assessed the last year of high school and first year of college; differences by college status controlling for previous-year values were estimated using regression analyses.

RESULTS

Relative to 4-year college attendees, those attending technical school/community college were less likely to binge drink (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, confidence interval [CI] = 0.38-0.86) but more likely to speed (OR = 1.26, CI = 1.0-2.84), consume sodas (OR = 1.57, CI = 1.0-2.47), and report lower family satisfaction (p < .01), with marginally more physical and depressive symptoms. College nonattendees reported more DWI (driving while intoxicated; OR = 1.60, CI = 1.05-2.47), soda drinking (OR = 2.51, CI = 1.76-3.59), oversleeping (OR = 4.78, CI = 3.65-8.63), and less family satisfaction (p < .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Health risk behaviors among emerging adults varied by college status.

Analgesics Self-Medication and its Association with Sleep Quality among Medical Undergraduates

INTRODUCTION

Self medication especially with analgesics is a common practice among undergraduate medical students. Variation in analgesic self medication prevalence and pattern is often seen due to geographical and target population differences. The mutual influence of pain and sleep quality might persuade students self medication behaviour.

AIM

To assess analgesic self medication and its association with sleep quality among the medical undergraduates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted from December 2015 to February 2016 among 320 medical undergraduates. The information about socio-demographic profile, symptoms, types of analgesics, source of information and reason for analgesic self medication was collected. The sleep quality of students was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The qualitative variables were expressed as percentages. Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was also calculated. Chi-square test was used.

RESULTS

Analgesic self medication prevalence was 49.7%, more prevalence seen among males, seniors, urban residents and students of working parents. Headache (48.4%) was the most common cause and paracetamol (79.7%) was most frequent drug used, based on knowledge obtained through textbook and internet (47.1%). Mildness of symptoms (49.1%) was the most important motivation behind self medication. Analgesic use was more (57.4%) among "poor sleepers" compared to "normal sleepers" (45.2%).

CONCLUSION

Despite having easy accessibility to expert consultations, high prevalence of analgesic self medication among medical students and its association with poor sleep quality is a distressing issue. This indicates an urgent need of awareness programmes about harmful effects of self medication and healthy sleep practices.

Prevalence and Characteristic of Headache in Dental Professionals: A Questionnaire Based Survey

INTRODUCTION

Medical and dental streams in today's date are considered highly demanding and stressful educational environments. Dental professionals, students and faculty, encounter great deal of stress in form of academic stress and job performance. Headache is a major and common neurological problem and is the main reason for decreased work performance, absenteeism and behavioral disturbances in dental professionals.

AIM

In current scenario of increasing stressful conditions in dental professionals, the present study was carried out with an aim to assess the prevalence and characteristic of headache in dental professionals in Udaipur, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted in a private dental teaching hospital in Udaipur. The undergraduate, postgraduate dental students and faculty members, who gave consent, were included in the study. Information regarding the reason for headache and its various parameters was collected. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22 and descriptive statistics was used to compare the results obtained.

RESULTS

The headache was found to be prevalent in 87.1% of the subjects included in the study. Females (91.9%) were more frequently affected by headaches than males (87.1%).

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded from the present study that headache was the main cause of absenteeism at school and work, mood and behavioral changes and inappropriate work actions.

Pattern of self-medication with analgesics among Iranian University students in central Iran

Background:

Self-medication is defined as the use of drugs for the treatment of self-diagnosed disorders. It is influenced by factors such as education, family, society, law, availability of drugs and exposure to advertisements. This study was performed to evaluate self-medication with analgesics and its pattern among different groups of Iranian University Students.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted from December 2009 to February 2010. The target population of this study was 564 students out of 10,000 students attending four medical and non-medical science universities in Qom state. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16, and analysis was conducted with descriptive analysis procedures.

Results:

76.6% of the students had used analgesics in self-medication in the previous 3 months. The frequency of analgesic use in the study period was once in 19.2% of the participants, twice in 22.2%, three times in 16.3% and more than three times in 35.5% of the participants, although 6.8% of them were not sure when they were used. Of all the respondents, 49.8% reported headache as the problem. This was the most common problem, after which came Dysmenorrhea,headache and stomach ache. Bone and joint pains were other problems that led to the use of analgesics. The most commonly used source of information for self-medication with analgesics was advice from friends and family (54.7%), previously prescribed medications (30.1%), their medical knowledge (13.3%) and recommendation of a pharmacist (1.9%).

Conclusion:

Self-medication with analgesics is very high among Iranian students in Qom city. This could be an index for other parts of the Iranian community. Because the source of information about analgesics is inappropriate, we would recommend education courses about analgesics and self-medication on the radio and television for the entire population.