Characterization and Predictors of Headache-Related Disability among School Children: A Population-Based Study / 대한소아신경학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Headache is a frequent neurological symptom in school aged individuals and recurrent headache has significant disabling effects among children and adolescents that manifest as school absenteeism, decreased extracurricular activities, and poor academic performance, as shown in previous studies. In Korea, there has not yet been a population-based study of headache-related disability in children and adolescents. We sought to estimate headache-related disability and investigate relevant predictors of disability due to headaches among schoolchildren in South Korea. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional school-based study. We surveyed 5,039 (boys 2,405, girls 2,634) students aged 6-18 years. Among 1,465 students with headache, six hundred sixty-six schoolchildren (225 boys, 441 girls) completed all questionnaires. The questionnaires collected demographic data, in addition to headache specific questions consistent with International Classification of Headache Disorder criteria, 2nd edition. Disability was evaluated using the 6-question Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS). RESULTS: Six hundred sixty six school children and adolescents (225 boys, 441 girls) among 1,465 students with headaches completed all questionnaires. The percentage of headache sufferers with grade I disability was 88.6%. The mean (±standard deviation) PedMIDAS score was 5.11±11.17. There was a trend towards more severe disability in the older age groups, particularly among the 16 to18 year-olds. Students with migraine had the highest PedMIDAS scores (6.69±10.66) whereas students reporting other types of headache had the lowest scores (3.81±7.52). The predictors of headache-related disability were intensity (P=0.028), frequent headache (P=0.003), and longer duration of symptoms prior to presentation (P=0.008). CONCLUSION: A trend towards a more severe disability was observed in the older age group. Schoolchildren with migraine had the most headache-related disability. The predictors for headache-related disability were intensity, frequent headache, and longer duration of symptoms prior to presentation.