National awareness campaign to prevent medication-overuse headache in Denmark

Abstract

Background Medication-overuse headache is prevalent, but in principle preventable. Objective To describe the Danish national awareness campaign for medication-overuse headache. Methods The Danish Headache Center, the Association of Danish Pharmacies, and headache patient organizations implemented a four-month medication-overuse headache awareness campaign in 2016. Target groups were the general public, general practitioners, and pharmacists. Key messages were: Overuse of pain-medication can worsen headaches; pain-medication should be used rationally; and medication-overuse headache is treatable. A range of communication technologies was used. A survey on the public's awareness of medication-overuse headache was conducted. Results The Danish adult population is 4.2 million. Online videos were viewed 297,000 times in three weeks. All 400 pharmacies received campaign materials. Over 28,000 leaflets were distributed. Two radio interviews were conducted. A television broadcast about headache reached an audience of 520,000. Forty articles were published in print media. Information was accessible at 32 reputable websites and five online news agencies. Three scientific papers were published. Information was available at an annual conference of general practitioners, including a headache lecture. The survey showed an increase in percentage of the public who knew about medication-overuse headache (from 31% to 38%). Conclusion A concerted campaign to prevent medication-overuse headache can be implemented through involvement of key stakeholders.

Monitoring chronic headache and medication-overuse headache prevalence in Denmark

“…These results should alert clinicians to high prevalence of headache and medication overuse in vulnerable groups, and the need to support strategies for appropriate public health messaging (37).…”

“…A public health education campaign was carried out in Denmark based on the results of the earlier prevalence study (37). The campaign had a broad audience and was supported by the Association of Danish Pharmacies.…”

“…Estimated prevalence was 3.3% (95% CI: 3.2–3.5) for chronic headache and 1.8% (95% CI: 1.7–1.9) for MOH. The study identified groups with high prevalence of the condition; examined associations with possible determinants; supported local public health education efforts (37); and continues to guide health policy towards rational use of acute pain medications.…”

Medication-overuse headache: a widely recognized entity amidst ongoing debate

“…Online resources, print media, radio interviews, and a television broadcast were used to bring key messages such as overuse of pain medication can worsen headaches, pain medication should be used rationally, and medication overuse headache is treatable. The survey showed an increase in percentage of the public who knew about MOH [ 132 ].…”

The Many Faces of Medication‐Overuse Headache in Clinical Practice

“…Educational campaigns for the public, GPs, pharmacists, and specialist doctors, therefore, have the potential to minimize these undesirable effects 146 . In Denmark, the use of cross‐media information campaigns resulted in increased awareness about the potential danger of medication overuse in headache disorders 146 . Paper‐based brochures can assist in preventing migraine patients with frequent use of drugs from developing MOH 147 .…”