Associations Between Lifestyle Factors and Headache in Lithuanian Adolescents

Background

Headache is a prevalent global health problem and a frequent complaint in both general and paediatric populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between selected lifestyle factors and headache among Lithuanian schoolchildren aged 11–18 years.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2019 and March 2020 and included 1,371 schoolchildren aged 11–18 years from schools in the Kaunas district of Lithuania. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and body mass index (BMI) was assessed according to IOTF criteria. Participants completed questionnaires on headaches, smartphone use, physical activity, and family smoking. Participants were asked the question: “Do you suffer from headaches?” Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

The prevalence of headache was 30.8% (17.0% in boys and 46.1% in girls). After adjustment for sex and age, overweight/obesity showed a non-significant increase in the odds of headache (aOR=1.14; 95% CI, 0.88–1.47; P = 0.319) compared with thinness/normal weight. Lower physical activity was associated with higher odds of headache (aOR=1.62; 95% CI, 1.17–2.22; P = 0.003). Family smoking was also associated with headache (aOR=1.45; 95% CI, 1.13–1.85; P = 0.003). Smartphone use ≥2 hours per day on weekdays and weekends increased odds of headache (aOR=1.59; 95% CI, 1.23–2.05; P < 0.001; and aOR=1.51; 95% CI, 1.15–1.98; P = 0.003, respectively). Smartphone use during the last hour before bedtime was also associated with headache (aOR=1.87; 95% CI, 1.41–2.47; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Unhealthy lifestyle behaviours – including prolonged smartphone use on weekdays and weekends, during daytime and at bedtime, physical inactivity, and exposure to family smoking – were significantly associated with headache among Lithuanian adolescents.

Key messages

• Prolonged smartphone use, low physical activity, and exposure to family smoking were significantly associated with higher odds of headache among Lithuanian adolescents.

• Headache was common among adolescents—especially girls—highlighting the importance of addressing modifiable lifestyle behaviours to reduce headache risk.