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The prevalence of headache disorders in children and adolescents in Benin: a schools-based study

The prevalence of headache disorders in children and adolescents in Benin: a schools-based study

Authors :
Mendinatou Agbetou Houessou
Thierry Adoukonou
Willy Tchuenga Fokom
Nelly Dovoedo
Tayyar Şaşmaz
Fatma Bozdağ
Derya Uluduz
Timothy J. Steiner
Source :
The Journal of Headache and Pain, Vol 25, Iss 1, Pp 1-9 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
BMC, 2024.

Abstract

Abstract Background A global schools-based programme within the Global Campaign against Headache is estimating the burden of headache in children (6–11 years) and adolescents (12–17 years), cluster-sampling the world by conducting national studies in all world regions. Its purpose is to complement population-based studies in adults, adding to knowledge of the burden of headache and informing educational and health policies. This study in Benin was the third in the programme from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods We followed the generic protocol for the global study. In a cross-sectional survey, the child and adolescent versions of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) structured questionnaire were administered to pupils within their classes in 16 schools selected from across the country to be representative of its diversities. Headache diagnostic questions were based on ICHD-3 criteria but for the inclusion of undifferentiated headache (UdH). Results Very large proportions of pupils were absent on the survey days. The sampled population defined by class registers totalled 11,802 pupils, of whom only 2,488 were present. A further 193 pupils (or their parents) declined the survey. The surveyed sampled (N = 2,295; males 1,156 [50.4%], females 1,139 [49.6%]) included 1,081 children (47.1%) and 1,214 adolescents (52.9%), with a non-participating proportion (193/2,488) of 7.8%. Headache ever was reported by 97.3% of the sample. Age- and gender-adjusted 1-year prevalences, according to responses given, were 53.4% for migraine (almost three quarters of this being probable migraine), 21.3% for tension-type headache, 8.2% for UdH, 1.0% for probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH) and 2.6% for other headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15+). Both pMOH and other H15 + were substantially more prevalent among adolescents. Conclusion The finding for migraine is anomalous, but, within this series of studies, the same was found in Zambia and similar in Ethiopia, both in SSA. While many cases identified as probable migraine, especially among children, might better have been diagnosed as UdH, the true prevalence of migraine almost certainly exceeds 21%. Regardless of diagnosis, headache is very common among children and adolescents in Benin. The study sounds an alarm with regard to pMOH as a developing problem pre-adulthood.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
11292377
Volume :
25
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
The Journal of Headache and Pain
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.18d11da002bc49cdaa9266bf3fbcf35f
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-024-01843-x