Primary headache in academics: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Headache is a frequent, long-standing and universal neurological disorder with high prevalence worldwide. ObjectiveTo verify the prevalence of headache and self-medication among healthcare academics. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study, carried out with 165 healthcare academics. A questionnaire was used as a methodological instrument to collect data. ResultsThe academics were mostly female, aged between 18 and 54 years, from the State of Paraiba and single. The lifetime prevalence of headaches was 98.2%. Most volunteers (62.4%) have a probable diagnosis of primary headache. Of these, the most prevalent was migraine, especially with aura, and tension-type headache (TTH). Of the group under analysis, the majority have not had consultations because of the pain and therefore have no medical diagnosis and no treatment. Some treated the pain only in a crisis. Of these, most practiced self-medication, mainly with dipyrone and paracetamol.Stress, worry and sleep deprivation were the most cited factors among those that usually cause pain. ConclusionClarifications, preventive measures, correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment can reduce the emotional, socioeconomic and academic losses of this frequent neurological complaint among students.