Impact of cluster headache on employment status and job burden: a prospective cross-sectional multicenter study

Abstract

BackgroundCluster headaches (CH) are recurrent severe headaches, which impose a major burden on the life of patients. We investigated the impact of CH on employment status and job burden.MethodsThe study was a sub-study of the Korean Cluster Headache Registry. Patients with CH were enrolled from September 2016 to February 2018 from 15 headache clinics in Korea. We also enrolled a headache control group with age-sex matched patients with migraine or tension-type headache. Moreover, a control group including individuals without headache complaints was recruited. All participants responded to a questionnaire that included questions on employment status, type of occupation, working time, sick leave, reductions in productivity, and satisfaction with current occupation. The questionnaire was administered to participants who were currently employed or had previous occupational experience.ResultsWe recruited 143 patients with CH, 38 patients with other types of headache (migraine or tension-type headache), and 52 headache-free controls. The proportion of employees was lower in the CH group compared with the headache and headache-free control groups (CH: 67.6% vs. headache controls: 84.2% vs. headache-free controls: 96.2%; p = 0.001). The CH group more frequently experienced difficulties at work and required sick leave than the other groups (CH: 84.8% vs. headache controls: 63.9% vs. headache-free controls: 36.5%; p < 0.001; CH: 39.4% vs. headache controls: 13.9% vs. headache-free controls: 3.4%; p < 0.001). Among the patients with CH, sick leave was associated with younger age at CH onset (25.8 years vs. 30.6 years, p = 0.014), severity of pain rated on a visual analogue scale (9.3 vs. 8.8, p = 0.008), and diurnal periodicity during the daytime (p = 0.003). There were no significant differences with respect to the sick leave based on sex, age, CH subtypes, and CH recurrence.ConclusionsCH might be associated with employment status. Most patients with CH experienced substantial burdens at work.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s10194-018-0911-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Disability, Quality of Life, and Socioeconomic Burden of Cluster Headache: A Critical Review of Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

“…A recent study investigated the impact of CH on work activities . A sample of 143 patients with CH, predominantly ECH, was selected from a national registry and given a questionnaire that assessed employment status, type of occupation, and difficulties at work.…”

“…A recent study investigated the impact of CH on work activities. 43 A sample of 143 patients with CH, predominantly ECH, was selected from a national registry and given a questionnaire that assessed employment status, type of occupation, and difficulties at work. Work-related questions included failure to obtain or retain jobs, changes in work activity or voluntary resignation, promotional disadvantage, reduction in hours or absence from work, and satisfaction with the current occupation.…”

Development and Evaluation of a Screening Tool to Aid the Diagnosis of Cluster Headache

“…Misdiagnosis of CH has a significant impact on patients' daily life, employment, and mental health [14]. Sick leave is high among CH patients [15]. A correct and timely diagnosis will improve the quality of life, will avoid unnecessary consultations and referrals, and, as a consequence, will reduce the financial and human health resource burden on the healthcare system [13].…”

Zonisamide for Cluster Headache Prophylaxis: A Case Series

“…Enduring such pain and frustration is thought to contribute to the disproportionate number of psychosocial issues in the CH population. Cluster patients are more likely to use illicit drugs, be unemployed or require increased sick leave, and be diagnosed with depression …”

“…Cluster patients are more likely to use illicit drugs, be unemployed or require increased sick leave, and be diagnosed with depression. [2][3][4][5] The American Headache Society has published evidence-based guidelines to direct the treatment of CH patients. Level A recommendations for acute treatment are subcutaneous sumatriptan, zolmitriptan nasal spray, and high-flow oxygen therapy, with more recent evidence supporting sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation, garnering a Level B recommendation.…”