Prevalence of Tension-Type Headache among Medical Students in Tabuk University, Saudi Arabia

Background: Headaches disorders have a significant burden on the world. Tension Type Headache is the most common type among primary headaches. Since medical students are exposed to a lot of stress, and it is associated with a tension-type headache, the importance of this study comes. This study aims to measure the prevalence of tension-type headache among medical students at Tabuk University 2020. Methodology: A cross-sectional study in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia was conducted. The study included medical students at the University of Tabuk in the academic years from 2nd to 6th grades during the calendar year of 2020. An adapted semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was retrieved from other validated questionnaires. The internal validity and reliability of the questionnaire were tested using Cronbach's alpha test and was highly reliable (25 items, α = .715). Both medical and research experts assessed the face and content validity. The data were coded, tabulated, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 27). Results: The total number of the students was 380 (response rate, 78.6%). 55.22% were females, and 44.78% were males their mean age was 21.18 ± SD 1.78 years. Out of the 297 students, only 122 met the diagnostic criteria. The 1-year prevalence Tension Type Headache (TTH) included the three types: frequent TTH 67.2%, 18.0% infrequent TTH, and only 14.8% suffered from chronic TTH. The most common aggravating factors included studying stressors (82%), 68% of the participants reported daily activity interference, and 48.4% reported that headache aggravate with routine physical activities (e.g., walking or climbing stairs). The headache quality varied between throbbing/pulsating (54.9%), pressing/tightening (68.9%) and sharp/stabbing (10.7%). The median headache intensity was 5.25 at pain level score (IQR =2). Only 28% of the students sought counseling where the main analgesic used was Acetaminophen (74%). Many non-pharmacological therapies were practiced by the students to relieve headache, including sleep (60.7%), rest (63.1%) and caffeine (41.8%).23% of the medical students reported that they sought medical counseling to maintain their performance level. There was a statistically significant difference between the average age of medical students suffering from frequent and infrequent TTH, t(102) = 2.31, p = .023. Conclusion: Tension-type headache is a prevalent type of headache among Saudi medical students. Prevalence and aggravating factors in our study were comparable to previously reported literature. Future studies with large sample size may be required among all university students to define burden of the case in Saudi Arabia.

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Prevalence and characteristics of headache attributed to ingestion or inhalation of a cold stimulus (HICS): A cross-sectional study

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/0333102419884938 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 299-306

Author(s):

Torsten Kraya ◽

Malte Schulz-Ehlbeck ◽

Philipp Burow ◽

Stefan Watzke ◽

Stephan Zierz

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Primary Headache ◽

Tension Type Headache ◽

Primary Headaches ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cold Stimulus ◽

Clinical Criteria ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Accompanying Symptoms ◽

Type Headache

Background Headache attributed to ingestion or inhalation of a cold stimulus (HICS), colloquially called ice-cream headache, is a common form of a primary headache in adults and children. However, previous studies on adults are limited due to the small number of patients. Furthermore, most of the subjects in previous studies had a history of other primary headaches. Methods Biographic data, clinical criteria of HICS and prevalence of primary headache were collected by a standardized questionnaire. A total of 1213 questionnaires were distributed; the return rate was 51.9% (n = 629); 618 questionnaires could be analyzed. Results In a cohort of 618 people aged between 17–63 years (females: n = 426, 68.9%), the prevalence of HICS was 51.3% (317 out of 618). There was no difference between men and women (51.3% vs. 51.6%). The duration of HICS was shorter than 30 sec in 92.7%. In the HICS group, localization of the pain was occipital in 17%. Trigemino-autonomic symptoms occurred in 22%, and visual phenomena (e.g. flickering lights, spots or lines) were reported by 18% of the HICS group. The pain intensity, but not the prevalence of HICS, was higher when tension-type headache and migraine or both were present as co-morbid primary headaches (Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) 4.58 and 6.54, p = 0.006). There was no higher risk of participants with migraine getting HICS than for those who did not have migraine (odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75–1.83; p = 0.496). Conclusion The results of this study modified the current criteria for HICS in the ICHD-3 regarding duration and localization. In addition, accompanying symptoms in about one fifth of the participants are not mentioned in the ICHD-3. Neither migraine nor tension-type headache seems to be a risk factor for HICS. However, accompanying symptoms in HICS are more frequent in subjects with another primary headache than in those without such a headache.

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Effects of nomophobia on anxiety, stress and depression among Saudi medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association ◽

10.47391/jpma.983 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Nusrat Bano ◽

Muhammad Anwar Khan ◽

Uzma Asif ◽

Jennifer de Beer ◽

Hawazen Rawass ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Anxiety Depression ◽

Severe Anxiety ◽

Different Levels

Abstract Objective: To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress in medical students, and to analyse effects of demographics and nomophobia on depression, anxiety and stress. Method: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April 1 to May 23, 2019, and comprised male and female medical students aged 19-25 years. Data was collected using a demographic information form, the 21-item depression, anxiety and stress scale and the 20-item nomophobia questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Results: Of the 230 students, 108(47%) were boys and 122 (53%) were girls. The overall mean age was 21.93+1.80 years. Anxiety, depression and stress was reported in 168 (74.6%), 158 (70.2%) and 127 (55.9%) of the students. Extremely severe anxiety, depression and stress were self-reported by 92 (40.9%), 38 (16.8%) and 16 (7.04%) students. There was a significant difference in the distribution of subjects within different levels of anxiety across gender (p<0.05). Higher anxiety and stress scores were observed in 78 (33.9%) students with severe nomophobia. Differences in the levels of anxiety and stress with regards to type of residence and nomophobia levels were significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: There was high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress associated with gender, nomophobia levels and residence type. Key Words: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Medical, Nomophobia.

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Primary Headache in Yemen: Prevalence and Common Medications Used

Neurology Research International ◽

10.1155/2014/808126 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Salah A. Abdo ◽

Mohammed Amood AL-Kamarany ◽

Karem H. Alzoubi ◽

Mohamed T. Al-Maktari ◽

Abdulrhman H. Al-Baidani

Keyword(s):

Diclofenac Sodium ◽

Case Series ◽

Primary Headache ◽

Tension Type Headache ◽

Primary Headaches ◽

Simple Explanation ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Type Headache ◽

The Relationship

Background and Objective. Primary headaches is a major medical concern in certain Arabic countries, for example Oman, Jordan, and Qatar. This study was aimed at increasing understanding of the prevalence of headache in Arabic countries and identifying common medications used for treatment because of the lack of research done in this field in Yemen.Methods. This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted by recruiting case-series of adults and elderly who have primary headache within the age group from 18 to 85 years. 12640 subjects received a simple explanation for the aim of the study as ethical issue. The subjects were allowed to complete a self-conducted screening questionnaire. The data were diagnosed according to the International Headache Society’s diagnostic criteria (2004).Results. The results showed that 76.5% of the primary headache is prevalent at least once per year, 27.1% of the tension type headache (TTH) was the maximum percentage of type of headache, and 14.48% of the migraine headache (MH) was the minimum percentage. On the other hand, the relationship between the primary headache and age of subjects was statistically significant (P<0.05), while between primary headache and sex was not (P>0.05). In addition, 70.15% of the subjects said that headache attacks affected their activity of daily livings (ADL). 62.26% of the subjects used the medications without medical advice regarding their headache. 37.73% of the subjects relied on medical professionals (physicians and pharmacist) regarding analgesics use. The most common agent used among the medications was paracetamol (38.4%). Others included ibuprofen, aspirin, diclofenac sodium, naproxen, mefenamic acid, ergotamine and (11.45%) were unknown agents.Conclusion. We concluded that absence of health attention from the Yemeni Community and education from the health system in the country regarding analgesics use and their potential risk led to abuse of such medications and could be a reason beyond high prevalence of headache in Yemen.

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Knowledge and Attitudes Towards First Aid Measures Among Medical Students at Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal [SQUMJ] ◽

10.18295/squmj.2018.18.04.013 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 507

Author(s):

Abdulrahman Alshuwayrikh ◽

Abdulrahman Aljethaily ◽

Faris Alosaimi ◽

Osama Alshaya ◽

Abdullah Alasmari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Response Rate ◽

First Aid ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Attitude Score ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Significant Difference

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitudes towards first aid (FA) measures among medical students at the Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2016 among 600 medical students in different academic years at Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. Knowledge and attitudes towards FA measures were evaluated using a modified version of a previously validated questionnaire. Data were compared between students with previous FA training and those without previous FA training. Results: A total of 259 medical students were included (response rate: 43%). Of these, 43% had previously received FA training and 63% had witnessed an emergency first-hand. Mean theoretical (5.93 ± 2.50 versus 4.49 ± 2.08; P <0.001) and practical (4.29 ± 2.62 versus 2.90 ± 2.17; P <0.001) knowledge scores were significantly higher among students with previous FA training compared to those without training; however, there was no significant difference in mean attitude score (5.60 ± 1.66 versus 5.39 ± 1.66; P = 0.329). Conclusion: The medical students, particularly those without previous FA training, demonstrated weak levels of FA knowledge. Such findings necessitate the inclusion of FA training in medical curricula in Saudi Arabia.Keywords: First Aid; Emergency Treatment; Medical Education; Knowledge; Attitudes; Saudi Arabia.

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Headache triggered by sleep deprivation: an observational study

Headache Medicine ◽

10.48208/headachemed.2020.13 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 44-47

Author(s):

Matheus Saraiva Valente Rosado ◽

Raimundo Silva-Néto

Keyword(s):

Observational Study ◽

Sleep Deprivation ◽

Public Hospital ◽

Tension Type Headache ◽

Night Work ◽

Primary Headaches ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Type Headache ◽

Night Shifts ◽

At Home

IntroductionSleep deprivation is one of the main triggers of primary headaches, especially in migraine patients.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of headache triggered by sleep deprivation in night workers.MethodsThe study was cross-sectional, observational, non-random and convenience. We interviewed 71 night workers of a public hospital with diagnosis of primary headaches and presence of headache the day after night shift.ResultsThe 71 night workers (50 women and 21 men) had a mean age of 36.7±7.7 years, ranging from 22 to 50 years. Of these workers, 83.2% were diagnosed with migraine and 16.9% with tension-type headache (TTH). The number of monthly night shifts was greater than 10, in 50.8% of migraine patients and in 58.3% of those with TTH. It was observed that 91.5% of migraine patients and 83.3% of patients with TTH slept ≥ 6 hours a night when they were at home, but when they were at work, they all slept ≤ 4 hours a night. Headache occurred the following day of night work in 83.1% of migraine patients and in 41.7% of those with TTH (p=0.005).ConclusionHeadache triggered by sleep deprivation was highly prevalent, predominating in migraine patients.

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Recall of Theoretical Pharmacology Knowledge by 6th Year Medical Students and Interns of Three Medical Schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Education Research International ◽

10.1155/2016/5374653 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

A. A. Mustafa ◽

H. A. Alassiry ◽

A. Al-Turki ◽

N. Alamri ◽

N. A. Alhamdan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Problem Based Learning ◽

Medical Schools ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multiple Choice Questions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Correct Score ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Learning School

The aim of this research is to provide some insights into the ability of the sixth year medical students and interns to recall theoretical knowledge of pharmacology. A cross-sectional study was conducted among students who graduated from three different medical schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was distributed to male and female students in 3 different colleges of medicine. The questionnaire included demographic information and ten multiple choice questions (MCQs) on basic pharmacology. Out of the 161 students, there were 39 females (24%) and 122 males (76%). A total of 36 (22%) students studied at a traditional learning school whereas 125 (78%) students studied at problem based learning (PBL) schools. The students were recruited from three universities: KSU, KSAU-HS, and KFMC-COM. In general, 31 students (19%) of the participants scored ≥ 7 out of 10, 77 students (48%) of them obtained a correct score of (4–6) out of 10, and 53 students (33%) scored less than 4. The study showed no statistically significant difference in recalling pharmacology between traditional school and problem based learning school except for those who prepared for exams. Results suggest that pharmacology is a difficult subject. Reevaluations are needed in the way of teaching pharmacology.

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Medical Graduates’ Research Practices and Perceptions: A comparative cross-sectional study between 2015 and 2017 graduates of King Abdulaziz University

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal [SQUMJ] ◽

10.18295/squmj.2019.19.01.007 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 32

Author(s):

Ahmed M. Basakran ◽

Maysaa A. Banjari ◽

Malak A. Almarghoub ◽

Elaf M. Alzarnougi

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Research Project ◽

Research Practices ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical Graduates ◽

Research Activities ◽

Significant Difference ◽

King Abdulaziz University

Objectives: This study aimed to compare changes in medical students’ research practices and perceptions of two cohorts of graduates. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted from November 2014 to December 2017 and included the 2015 and 2017 medical graduates of King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A validated self-administrated questionnaire, which included questions about participants’ age and gender, research activities, and obstacles to and motivators for research involvement was used. Results: A total of 484 graduates were included in this study (response rate: 96.8%). A significant difference was found between the 2015 and 2017 graduates who had not started any research project (48.4% versus 35%; P <0.001) and a 20% increase in the 2017 graduates’ confidence in their abilities to start their own projects was observed (P <0.001). Significantly more 2017 graduates were engaged in various research roles, other than 'author', compared to 2015 graduates (71.3% versus 55.4%; P <0.001). Career progression was the main motivator for both the 2015 and 2017 medical graduates to participate in research (79.5%). Reported obstacles to research included a lack of dedicated time for research and methodology training and a shortage of research project opportunities. Conclusion: This study highlights positive changes in attitudes towards and perceptions of research among medical graduates.Keywords: Medical Students; Research; Professional Practice; Attitude; Perception; Medical Education; Saudi Arabia.

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Prevalence of neck pain in migraine and tension-type headache: A population study

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/0333102414535110 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 211-219 ◽

Cited By ~ 112

Author(s):

Sait Ashina ◽

Lars Bendtsen ◽

Ann C Lyngberg ◽

Richard B Lipton ◽

Nazrin Hajiyeva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neck Pain ◽

Primary Headache ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Tension Type Headache ◽

Primary Headaches ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Type Headache ◽

One Year ◽

The One ◽

Reported Data

Background We assessed the prevalence of neck pain in the population in relation to headache. Methods In a cross-sectional study, a total of 797 individuals completed a headache interview and provided self-reported data on neck pain. We identified migraine, TTH or both migraine and TTH (M+TTH) groups. Pericranial tenderness was recorded in 496 individuals. A total tenderness score (TTS) was calculated as the sum of local scores with a maximum score of 48. Results The one-year prevalence of neck pain was 68.4% and higher in those with vs. without primary headache (85.7% vs. 56.7%; adjusted OR 3.0, 95% CI 2.0–4.4, p < 0.001). Adjusting for age, gender, education and poor self-rated health, in comparison with those without headaches, the prevalence of neck pain (56.7%) was significantly higher in those with M+TTH (89.3%), pure TTH (88.4%) and pure migraine (76.2%) ( p < 0.05 for all three group comparisons). Individuals with neck pain had higher TTS than individuals without neck pain (15.1 ± 10.5 vs. 8.4 ± 8.0, p < 0.001). Conclusions Neck pain is highly prevalent in the general population and even more prevalent in individuals with primary headaches. Prevalence is highest in coexistent M+TTH, followed by pure TTH and migraine. Myofascial tenderness is significantly increased in individuals with neck pain.

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The Influence of Gender on the Choice of Radiology as a Specialty Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study

Interactive Journal of Medical Research ◽

10.2196/14666 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. e14666 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ahmed H Abduljabbar ◽

Sara F Alnajjar ◽

Hussein Alshamrani ◽

Lujain F Bashamakh ◽

Hisham Z Alshehri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Specialty Choice ◽

Female Students ◽

University Hospital ◽

Male Students ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

Background Medical undergraduates are the future doctors of the country. Therefore, determining how medical students choose their areas of specialty is essential to obtain a balanced distribution of physicians among all specialties. Although gender is a significant factor that affects specialty choice, the factors underlying gender differences in radiology are not fully elucidated. Objective This study examined the factors that attracted medical students to and discouraged them from selecting diagnostic radiology and analyzed whether these factors differed between female and male medical students. Methods This cross-sectional study conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, used an electronic questionnaire sent to medical students from all medical years during February 2018. Subgroup analyses for gender and radiology interest were performed using the chi-square test and Cramér’s V test. Results In total, 539 students (276 women; 263 men) responded. The most common factor preventing students from choosing radiology as a career was the lack of direct patient contact, which deterred approximately 47% who decided against considering this specialty. Negative perceptions by other physicians (P<.001), lack of acknowledgment by patients (P=.004), and lack of structured radiology rotations (P=.007) dissuaded significantly more male students than female students. Among those interested in radiology, more female students were attracted by job flexibility (P=.01), while more male students were attracted by focused patient interactions with minimal paperwork (P<.001). Conclusions No significant difference was found between the genders in terms of considering radiology as a specialty. Misconception plays a central role in students’ judgment regarding radiology. Hence, early exposure to radiology, assuming a new teaching method, and using a curriculum that supports the active participation of students in a radiology rotation are needed to overcome this misconception.

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Is There a Relation Between Vitamin B₁₂ Levels and Headaches in Children and Adolescents?

Journal of Dr Behcet Uz Children s Hospital ◽

10.5222/buchd.2021.32767 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Müge Ayanoğlu ◽

Hale Tuhan ◽

Ayça Kömüroğlu ◽

Ayşe Tosun

Keyword(s):

Vitamin B12 ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Tension Type Headache ◽

Control Group ◽

Vitamin B ◽

Primary Headaches ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Type Headache ◽

Lower Vitamin

Objective: Primary headaches are common and benign discomforts both in children and adolescents. However, they have a negative influence on the quality of life. This retrospective study aimed to determine the relationship between vitamin B12 results and primary headaches in Turkish children. Methods: Demographical features, headache types, laboratory results, including vitamin B12, were assessed retrospectively. Headache types were categorized as tension-type headache, migraine, and unclassified headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders-beta version (ICD-3 beta). Patients with seconder headaches, anemia, and macrocytosis were excluded. Results: The study group consisted of 133 (86 female, 47 male) patients with headache and a control group of 103 (57 female, 46 male) healthy children. There was no significant difference in terms of age and gender between groups (p>0.05). Vitamin B₁₂ levels in tension-type headache, migraine, and unclassified headache groups were significantly lower (p<0.0001) than in the control group. Logistic regression has identified lower vitamin B12 levels than 400 pg/ml as an independent risk factor for headache (OR: 3.212, 95% CI: 1.850-5.576). Conclusion: We conclude that lower vitamin B12 levels than 400 pg/mL may be associated with tension-type headache, migraine, and unclassified headache.

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