J Clin Neurol.  2012 Sep;8(3):204-211. 10.3988/jcn.2012.8.3.204.

Prevalence and Impact of Migraine and Tension-Type Headache in Korea

• Kim BK
• Chu MK
• Lee TG
• Kim JM
• Chung CS
• Lee KS

• KMID: 2287592
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3988/jcn.2012.8.3.204

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The epidemiology and impact of headache disorders are only partially documented for Asian countries. We investigated the prevalence and impact of migraine and tension-type headache - which are the two most common primary headache disorders - in a Korean population.
METHODS
A stratified random population sample of Koreans older than 19 years was selected and evaluated using a 29-item, semistructured interview. The questionnaire was designed to classify headache types according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition, including migraine and tension-type headache. The questionnaire also included items on basic demographics such as age, gender, geographical region, education level, and income, and the impact of headache on the participant.
RESULTS
Among the 1507 participants, the 1-year prevalence of all types of headaches was 61.4% (69.9% in women and 52.8% in men). The overall prevalence rates of migraine and tension-type headaches were 6.1% (9.2% in women and 2.9% in men) and 30.8% (29.3% in women and 32.2% in men), respectively. The prevalence of migraine peaked at the age of 40-49 years in women and 19-29 years in men. In contrast to migraine, the prevalence of tension-type headache was not influenced by either age or gender. Among individuals with migraine and tension-type headache, 31.5% and 7% reported being substantially or severely impacted by headache, respectively (Headache Impact Test score > or =56). Overall, 13.4% of all headache sufferers reported being either substantially or severely impacted by headache.
CONCLUSIONS
The 1-year prevalence rates of migraine and tension-type headache in the studied Korean population were 6.1% and 30.8%, respectively. One-third of migraineurs and some individuals with tension-type headache reported being either substantially or severely impacted by headache.

Keyword

epidemiology; headache; impact; migraine; tension-type headache; prevalence

MeSH Terms

Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Demography
Female
Headache
Headache Disorders
Headache Disorders, Primary
Humans
Korea
Male
Migraine Disorders
Prevalence
Tension-Type Headache
Surveys and Questionnaires

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The 1-year prevalence of all types of headaches according to age and gender.

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  Fig. 2 HIT-6 scores of individuals with all types of headaches (A) and with migraine (B) and tension-type (C) headaches. HIT-6: Headache Impact Test-6 questionnaire.

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  Fig. 3 The 1-year prevalence of migraine according to age and gender.

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  Fig. 4 Migraine prevalence according to education level (A), size of the place of residence (B), and monthly income (C).

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  Fig. 5 The 1-year prevalence of tension-type headache according to age and gender.

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  Fig. 6 Prevalence of tension-type headache according to education level (A), size of the place of residence (B), and monthly income (C).

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