Prevalences of migraine and tension-type headache in adolescent girls of Shiraz (southern Iran).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalences of migraine and tension-type headache in teenaged girls attending schools in Shiraz (southern Iran).

BACKGROUND

Studies of headache prevalence are numerous, and findings have varied according to the specific population and region involved. No data are available regarding headache prevalence among Iranian teenagers.

METHODS

A random sample of 1868 teenaged girls (aged 11 to 18 years) was evaluated, and 507 subjects reported headache. The headache disorders were classified on the basis of a clinical interview, general physical and neurologic examinations, and the diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society. Logistic regression was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Overall prevalence rate for migraine was 6.1% (95% CI, 5.0 to 7.2) and for tension-type headache, 12.1% (95% CI, 10.6 to 13.6). Migraine and tension-type headache were significantly associated.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that exposition of subjects to sunlight, type of food, and a family history of headache had most significant effects on occurrence of migraine and tension-type headaches.