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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Migraine | Research article

Prevalence and risk factors associated with headache amongst medical staff in South China

Authors: Wei Xie, Ruibing Li, Mianwang He, Fang Cui, Tingting Sun, Jianmei Xiong, Dengfa Zhao, Weinan Na, Ruozhuo Liu, Shengyuan Yu

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

A previous study by our team reported the prevalence of primary headache disorders and factors associated with headache among nurses in three hospitals in North China. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to learn more about how medical nurses in South China were affected by headache. Additionally, we determined the prevalence of headache and measured the impact of headache among doctors in mainland China for the first time.

Methods

Stratified random cluster sampling was used to select 280 physicians and 365 nurses from various departments in four hospitals in Sanya, which is one of southernmost cities in China. Information was collected on demographic data, occupational factors and headache characteristics by using a structured questionnaire.

Results

Among 645 medical staff, 548 (85%) responded (doctors = 240, nurses = 308). Among the medical staff, the 1-year prevalence of primary headache disorders was 50%, with 25.9% experiencing migraine and 24.1% experiencing tension-type headache (TTH). The prevalence of migraine in female doctors was higher than that in female nurses, although this difference was not significant (32.4% vs. 29.8%, P = 0.628). Multivariate analysis showed that being female and working in other specialties (Emergency Department & Radiology Department) remained independent risk factors for migraine in doctors (OR 2.314 and 3.223). In nurses, being married was a risk factor for migraine (OR 3.728), and job titles remained an independent risk factor for migraine and TTH (OR 2.294 and 4.695). Working more than 6 night-shifts per month was associated with an increased prevalence of migraine and TTH in doctors; the same was true in nurses for migraine, but not for TTH.

Conclusion

The prevalence of primary headache disorders in both nurses and doctors is higher than that in the general population in South China. Our study shows that occupation, geography and sex may play an important role. Further, female doctors are more susceptible than female nurses to migraine. The risk factors relevant to headache that were found in this study should provide an important reference for promoting occupational health in medical staff, especially female doctors in China.

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Title: Prevalence and risk factors associated with headache amongst medical staff in South China
Authors: Wei Xie
Ruibing Li
Mianwang He
Fang Cui
Tingting Sun
Jianmei Xiong
Dengfa Zhao
Weinan Na
Ruozhuo Liu
Shengyuan Yu
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: Springer Milan
Keywords: Migraine
Tension Headache
Medication Overuse Headache
Headache
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-020-1075-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Prevalence and risk factors associated with headache amongst medical staff in South China

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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