Effect of COVID-19-related Lockdown on Headache in Adults: A Report of a Survey

The majority of electronic (e)-consultations during the COVID-19 lockdown were for headache, which gave an impression of an increase in headache frequency during the lockdown. However, hospital consultation cannot provide a clear picture due to inherent selection bias.

This survey was aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19-related lockdown on headache in adults previously suffering from headache.

A 65-question-based online questionnaire was sent to adult participants suffering from headache and residing in total lockdown zones (pan-India) from May 17 to June 16, 2020. Multiple nominal regression was used to determine the predictors of change in headache frequency.

We included 689 patients (36.64 ± 10.82, range 18-89 years, females 60.4%). Headache frequency increased in 119 (17.2%), remained unchanged in 463 (67.2%), and decreased in 107 (15.5%). Predictors of increase in headache frequency were increased anxiety [generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD)-7 score)] [p = 0.03, OR 1.07 (1.01-1.15)], poor sleep quality [Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) composite score] [p < 0.001, OR 1.18 (1.08-1.29)], increased time spent on daily household chores [p = 0.016, OR 2.06 (1.15-3.71)], use of mask [p < 0.001, OR 5.97 (3.28-10.89)], and emotional stress [p < 0.001, OR 2.90 (1.72-4.89)]. Predictors of decrease in headache frequency were marital status as single [p = 0.019, OR 1.81 (1.10-2.96)], decrease in time spent on daily household chores [p < 0.001, OR 6.67 (2.53-17.63)], and photophobia/phonophobia [p = 0.046, OR 1.64 (1.01-2.66)].

The majority reported no change in frequency of headache. Single status, time spent on household chores, use of mask, emotional stress, anxiety, and sleep quality were major predictors of change in headache frequency during the lockdown.