Estimating prevalence rates of Migraine and tension-type headache among the students of Shiraz University of Sciences

Abstract: This study investigated the prevalence rates of migraine and tension-type headaches among the students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences during the academic year 1996-1997. The study was carried out cross-sectionally on a representative random sample of 310 students selected systematically. A semi structured questionnaire was used to screen headache among the students, applying the international Headache Society Classification. A total of 123 (39.7%) students were screened for headache and examined clinically for a proper diagnosis. As a results 80 (25.8%) students were diagnosed to have migraine, tension-type headache or coexisting migraine and tension-headache. Prevalence rates for tension-headache, migraine, coexisting tension-headache and migraine were 15.5%, 7.4% and 2.6% respectively. Odds ratio of tension-headache in boys was 3.4 times higher than that of girls, (P<0.01), but it was not statistically different for migraine and coexisting migraine and tension-headache. The relationships between the headaches and several factors were examined and significant associations were found between migraine and coexisting migraine and tension-type headache with sleeping pattern of students (P<0.05). The odds ratio of migraine in students who had abnormal sleeping pattern was 2.5 times higher than those with normal sleeping pattern, but for coexisting migraine and tension-headache with regard to sleeping pattern it was estimated to be 7.8 times higher than normal. Both odds ratios were statistically significant (P<0.05). In general, headaches including migraine, tension-type, etc were significantly associated with family history of headache (P<0.001). Keywords: Epidemiology, Prevalence, Headache, Migraine, Tension-type headache, Student