A recent study published in the medical journal
Neurology reveals a link between irregular eating habits, such as skipping breakfast, and an increased risk of frequent headaches in children and teenagers. Moreover, this research highlights a significant correlation between the use and exposure to substances, particularly electronic cigarettes, and the occurrence of frequent headaches among 12-17 year-olds.
Nearly 5 million children and adolescents, aged 5 to 17, participating in a comprehensive health survey in Canada, were asked about their experience with headaches over the previous six months and their frequency. About 6% of them reported headaches more than once a week.
The researchers examined several lifestyle factors, including screen time, sleep hours, meals, anxiety, and mood disorders. Young people aged 12 to 17 were also questioned about their substance use, including alcohol, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and cannabis.
It was found that participants with frequent headaches had, on average, nine meals a week, compared to twelve for those who had less than one headache a week. Eating regularly, having breakfast and family dinner, would reduce the risk of frequent headaches by 8%.
Regarding vaping, 8% of participants suffering from frequent headaches used electronic cigarettes daily, compared to 3% of those with the least headaches. After adjustment for various factors, daily users of electronic cigarettes had twice the risk of suffering from frequent headaches.
Anxiety and mood disorders also doubled the risk of frequent headaches, while no significant link was found with sleep, screen time, and the use of other substances.
This study underscores the importance of considering lifestyle factors in the prevention and treatment of headaches in young people. However, it does not cover children and teenagers living in foster homes, institutions, or in reserves of the First Nations and other indigenous establishments in Canada.