[Epidemiology and economic repercussion of headache: an inquiery among the administrative and technical personnel of the Liège University]. / Epidémiologie et répercussions économiques des céphalées: une enquête parmi le personnel administratif, technique et ouvrier (PATO) de l'Université de Liège.

ABSTRACT

Headache is an important individual and societal burden. Despite an important prevalence, migraine remains an underdiagnosed and undertreated disease. Large population-based epidemiological studies are available in many countries, but not in Belgium. We decided to assess 1 year prevalence and loss of productivity due to headaches in a sample of workers representative of the active Belgian population, the employees and workers of Liège University (ULg). A structured questionnaire based on the diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society (IHS) was sent to the 1467 members of the ULg personnel in 2002. Among them, 212 (14.5%) had suffered of at least one headache in the previous 12 months ; 163 (77%) fulfilled the criteria for migraine, 49 (23%) had other headache types. One year-prevalence was 13% for migraine, 3.9% for other headaches. Among migraineurs there were 83% females, 19% had migraine with aura and the majority (49%) had 1-2 attacks per month. Acute anti-migraine treatment was taken by 98% of migraineurs, among whom only 9% used triptans. Intake of acute treatment more than twice per week, which tends to chronify headaches, was mentioned by 29% of migraineurs. Although 35% of subjets reported more than 2 attacks per month, only 13% were taking preventive anti-migraine treatment. The correct diagnosis of migraine was known to 51% of migraineurs, while 28% of non-migraineurs thought they were suffering from migraine. During the 3 months preceding the survey, 60% of migraineurs had to reduce (48%) or totally interrupt work (12%) at ULg for at least 1 day. Taking into account the mean salary at the ULg, the cost due to lost productivity was estimated at 300,000 Euro per year. This cost could be more than halved by an adequate anti-migraine treatment.