The prevalence, selected risk factors and burden of primary headaches in lecturers at a University of Technology (UoT) in KwaZulu-Natal during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Headaches are a common disabling condition that affect many people worldwide. Headaches have been under-studied in developing countries and there is a paucity of literature documenting headaches in lecturers. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced lecturers to adapt to online teaching, which may have resulted in headaches. It is envisaged that this research will be beneficial to chiropractors, other healthcare providers and lecturers. Aim of Study: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, selected risk factors and burden of primary headaches in lecturers at a university of technology (UoT) in KwaZulu Natal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional design, where 685 lecturers employed at the Durban University of Technology, through self-selection, were selected to participate, using consecutive sampling. A minimum sample size of 247 was calculated, using a confidence level of 95% and confidence interval of 5%. Lecturers from all six faculties were invited to participate. The headache-attributed restriction, disability, social handicap and impaired participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire was administered electronically via QUESTIONPRO®. Each participant was required to initial a consent form prior to answering the questionnaire. The diagnostic algorithm was utilised to diagnose headaches according to the diagnostic questions in the HARDSHIP questionnaire. All data were captured on an Excel spreadsheet and subsequently analysed using SPSS version 28. Results: There was a total of 255 completed questionnaires. The mean age of respondents was 45.66 years old. Of the total sample (n=255), 51.8% were headache sufferers. Most respondents suffered from probable tension-type headache (41.9%; n=54), followed by migraine-type headache (27.9%, n=36). Social risk factors revealed a significant relationship between alcohol and headaches, and sleep deprivation and headaches. Medial risk factors revealed a significant relationship between a head injury and headache and sinusitis and headache. Although there was a relationship between psychological risk factors and headache, it was not significant. Many work-related risk factors were significantly related to headache. There was a greater number of headache sufferers who tested positive for COVID-19. Many respondents experienced loneliness and their workload increased during the pandemic. Most of the respondents’ headaches interfered with work, and they usually took medication to treat their headache. Conclusion: Headaches are common in lecturing staff with, tension type headaches being most prevalent. There are many risk factors which are strongly associated with headaches and its impact caused an interference with work and negatively affected the suffers mental health. Family, social or leisure activities are also neglected when a headache occurred. This study adds to the current literature on headache prevalence in the lecturer population and increases awareness.