The association between use of electronic media and prevalence of headache in adolescents: results from a population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundUse of electronic media, i.e. mobile phones, computers, television, game consoles or listening to music, is very common, especially amongst adolescents. There is currently a debate about whether frequent use of these media might have adverse effects on health, especially on headaches, which are among the most-reported health complaints in adolescents. The aim of the present study was to assess associations between frequent use of electronic media and the prevalence of different types of headache in adolescents.MethodsData were derived from a population-based sample (n = 1,025, ages 13-17 years). Type of headache (i.e. migraine, tension-type headache, unclassifiable headache) was ascertained by standardized questionnaires for subjects reporting headache episodes at least once per month during the last six months. Duration of electronic media use was assessed during personal interviews. Associations were estimated with logistic regression models adjusted for age group, sex, family condition and socio-economic status.ResultsMost of the adolescents used computers (85%), watched television (90%) or listened to music (90%) daily, otherwise only 23% of the participants used their mobile phones and only 25% played with game consoles on a daily basis. A statistically significant association between listening to music and any headache (odds ratio 1.8; 95% confidence interval 1.1-3.1 for 30 minutes per day, 2.1; 1.2-3.7 for 1 to 2 hours per day; 2.0; 1.2-3.5 for 3 hours and longer listening to music per day) was observed. When stratifying for type of headache, no statistically significant association was seen.ConclusionsApart from an association between listening to music on a daily basis and overall headache, no consistent associations between the use of electronic media and different types of headache were observed.

Self-reported muscle pain in adolescents with migraine and tension-type headache

“…Epidemiological studies in children and adolescents have identified a whole variety of risk factors for headache (3,4,(11)(12)(13). These studies highlight the contribution of stress and lifestyle factors to any headache disorder, with a larger influence in migraineurs (12,14).…”

Sleep problems: predictor or outcome of media use among emerging adults at university?

“…Among adolescents, prevalence rates of daily television and computer use are as high as 85 and 95%, respectively (Milde-Busch et al, 2010). Moreover, 72% of all internet users report using online social networking (Brenner, 2013).…”

Primary headaches among adolescents and their association with excessive computer use

“…Devices such as cell phones, computers, electronic games, tablets and TV have been used both for school purposes and leisure 2,3 . Due to easy access to electronic devices more time is spent with them and, as a consequence, negative impact on adolescents' health have been reported in the literature, such as sleep changes, tiredness, anxiety, depression, overweight, de-ORIGINAL ARTICLE DOI 10.5935/1806-0013.20150049 creased levels of physical activities, decreased concentration, musculoskeletal pain, stress and headache [3][4][5][6][7] .…”

“…Devices such as cell phones, computers, electronic games, tablets and TV have been used both for school purposes and leisure 2,3 . Due to easy access to electronic devices more time is spent with them and, as a consequence, negative impact on adolescents' health have been reported in the literature, such as sleep changes, tiredness, anxiety, depression, overweight, de-ORIGINAL ARTICLE DOI 10.5935/1806-0013.20150049 creased levels of physical activities, decreased concentration, musculoskeletal pain, stress and headache [3][4][5][6][7] . Headache, pointed as an increasing problem among children and adolescents and which is possibly related to changes in lifestyle and stress-related factors 8 , has been highlighted by some studies as a major complaint among adolescents due to the excessive use of electronic devices 6,9 .…”