Prevalence of Headache and Its Impacts on Academic and Social Lives Among University Students in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study
Omnia Samy El-sayed1, Abdelfattah Arafa2, Hadeer Hafez3, Momen Samy Syaj1, Hanaa M. Abo Shereda4, Abdelrhman Semary3, Safaa Hassan Zaki Abbas5, Abeer Hany6, Shaimaa A. Elaidy7, Mohamed Ahmed Tolba8
1Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia, Egypt, 2Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt, 3Faculty of Medicine, October 6th University, Giza, Egypt, 4Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom 32511, Egypt, 5Alexandria Clinical Research Administration, Alexandria Health Affairs Directorate, Alexandria, Egypt, 6Faculty of medicine Al-Azhar university, Assiut, Egypt, 7Department of Neurology, Faculty of medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia, Egypt, 8Faculty of Medicine, MUST University, Giza, Egypt
Objective:

We aim to assess the prevalence of headache among university students in various universities in Egypt and to investigate its effects on their academic and social lives.

Background:

Headache disorders are prevalent health issues, with studies indicating high lifetime and point prevalence rates, particularly among university students. These conditions can significantly impact students' academic performance, leading to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and a higher number of discipline failures. Understanding the prevalence and effects of headaches on academic life is crucial to support students' overall well-being and academic success.

Design/Methods:

The cross-sectional data of university students was obtained by online or offline survey. We performed a pilot study to make sure the questions were easy-to-understand for the Egyptian community. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to test the reliability and internal consistency of each scale. We also performed logistic regression to investigate the association between headache and academic performance, daily activity, quality of life, productivity, and sleep patterns of participants.

Results:

This present study included 3720 participants aged 18-26 years old, of whom 3510 (94.4%) reported experiencing headache during the last 12 months. Compared to those without headache, participants with headache tended to have lower GPA scores (P = 0.009), have their daily activity severely impacted (P < .001), not having a routine sleeping pattern (P = 0.004), and to experience more difficulties with sleeping habits (OR = 2.075, P < .001).

Conclusions:
Logistics regression showed a significant correlation between headache and academic performance, daily activity and sleeping patterns among university students. 
10.1212/WNL.0000000000212702
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