The effect of migraine-type headaches on quality of life in an adolescent population in the Westville ward of the Pinetown School District

Abstract

BACKGROUND Migraine-type headaches (MTHs) are the most common disabling disorder in children and adolescents, affecting approximately 10% of children and adolescents. Migrainetype headaches are common in children over the age of 14 years and the incidence peaks between the ages of 15 and 24 years. Migraine-type headaches affect many aspects of an adolescent’s life often leading to comorbid psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. The headaches also affect productivity and cause an increase in school absenteeism. AIM The aim of this study was to explore the effect of migraine-type headaches on the quality of life in an adolescent population in the Westville ward of the Pinetown School District. METHODOLOGY Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using a qualitative descriptive approach. Probing questions supplemented the main questions being asked. The interviews relied on the participants’ own perspective to provide insight into the effects of migraine-type headaches. Adolescents who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study were interviewed. A minimum of 10 participants were required for this study. Data were collected until data saturation was obtained and, therefore, the total number of research participants who participated in the study was 14. The data were audio recorded and thereafter transcribed verbatim. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the data using the Tesch method. RESULTS The participants explained that their migraine-type headaches affected their education, homework, concentration and/or chores. Some participants mentioned that they had to miss social events or cancel plans with friends, while others mentioned that it has affected their relationships with family and friends. Many participants mentioned that their MTHs affected them emotionally in some way and resulted in anger, frustration and/or worry. Most of the participants explained that their MTHs affected their extra-curricular activities, hobbies and general movement. CONCLUSION Migraine-type headaches have a negative effect on the quality of life in the adolescent population. This is consistent with similar studies done on migraine-type headaches in adolescent populations.