Neuroepidemiology study of headache in the region of Jammu of north Indian population

Abstract Background Headache disorders represent a major public health problem globally. It is more in developing countries with the rising trends in young adults affecting negatively their quality of life. There has been very little information on the epidemiology of headache disorder in the Jammu division of the north Indian population. Aim The present study is aimed to find out the prevalence of headache and its two major types i.e., migraine and TTH (Tension-Type Headache) in population of Jammu division. Methods The study was conducted in two phases: (Phase I: Face-face interview and Phase II: E-based sampling) and sufferers of headaches were incorporated into the study based on the ICHD-3 criteria for a representative sample. Frequency distribution and mean ± SD were used in descriptive statistics to describe the data sets, while a t-test, chi-square test, and a logistic regression model using odds ratio were used in inferential statistics. Results A total of 3,148 subjects were recruited and found the overall prevalence of headache was 53.84% with a female preponderance (38.18%) in comparison to male 15.66%. Regarding the type, migraine was found to be highly prevalent (33.25%) type than TTH (20.58%). Female suffering from migraine shows the highest prevalence (25.28%). Regarding the environmental factors, bright light OR: 5.81, 95% CIs [4.96–6.81] loud sound OR: 5.17, 95% CIs [4.44–6.03], stress OR: 3.58, 95% CIs [3.07–4.17], empty stomach OR: 3.42, 95% CIs [2.93–3.98] increases the likely hood of the diseases. Also, high comorbidity association was found in between PCOS OR: 8.63, 95% CIs [3.95–18.85], panic disorder OR: 5.04, 95% CIs [1.94–3.05], anxiety OR: 4.53, 95% CIs [3.90–5.27], IBS OR: 3.80, 95% [1.76–8.23] with headache. Conclusion The prevalence of headache is high in the Jammu division of J&K India with migraine being the high prevalent type. Light and sound with high intensity, empty stomach, stress, and less water intake are some highly associated environmental risk factor that increases the severity diseases.