This article was originally published as: Primary Headaches among Students in a South African University
Original Article Link: Read Original Article
Download PDF: Click Here to Download PDF
Abstract
Headaches are recognised as a common health-related complaint, impacting student attendance and overall productivity. This study determined the prevalence of headaches within a selected group of students and its effects on their health.A questionnaire was administered to undergraduate allied health science students in three selected departments at a university in South Africa. A total of 420 students were invited to participate in the study, of which 314 participated (75% response rate) –311 students completed the questionnaire.Of these, 27.0% (n=84) did not experience headaches over the previous three months; the remaining73.0% (n=227)were classified as having had migraine-type headaches (31.2%; n=97), tension-type headache (30.2%; n=94) or cluster-type headache (1.3%; n=04). Students suffering with migraine-type headaches indicated a decrease in capacity and missed classes more frequently compared to students who experienced tension-type headaches and cluster-type headaches respectively.Some of the respondents with migraine-type headaches (53.4%; n=31) did not continue with classes in order to rest. Migraine-type headache sufferers were more likely to take medication than those with other types of headaches (p=0.014). The findings of the study highlight the influence of headaches on students.Health knowledge and access to treatment is highlighted as a simple contributor to reducing headache prevalence and attaining overall health and well-being.
Authors
- Julian Pillay (Durban University of Technology, South Africa)
- Johan Prangley (Durban University of Technology, South Africa)
- Charmaine Korporaal (Durban University of Technology, South Africa)
- Adepeju Lateef (Durban University of Technology, South Africa)
Keywords
undergraduate students, headache, health, wellbeing
References
References not available for this article.
