TITLE:
Quality of Life in Patients with Headaches at the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of Gabriel Touré University Hospital
AUTHORS:
Seybou Hassane Diallo, Mendinatou Agbetou, Oumar Sangho, Hamidou Djibo, Abdoulaye Yalcouye, Awa Coulibaly, Salimata Diallo, Mariam Daou, Mahamadou Saliou, Mohamed Albakaye, Youssoufa Maiga
KEYWORDS:
Headache, Quality of Life, Neurology Department, Gabriel Touré University Hospital
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Neuroscience,
Vol.16 No.4,
November
3,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Headaches are a global health concern affecting people of all ages, ethnic groups, income levels, and geographic locations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headaches are one of the most disabling conditions worldwide. Objective: To assess the clinical characteristics and quality of life of patients aged 18 - 75 years presenting with headaches in the outpatient neurology department of Gabriel Touré University Hospital. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study from June 1, 2022, to August 31, 2022, at Gabriel Touré University Hospital. The study included all patients aged 18 - 75 years who were seen for headaches lasting at least three months, as well as those already under follow-up for headache disorders, provided they gave informed consent. We used the 2017 International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) diagnosis criteria. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and the impact on quality of life was evaluated using the Wilson and Cleary Quality of Life Scale (QVLS). Results: A total of 943 patients were consulting the service during the study period; 60 presented with headaches, a prevalence of 6.36%. Women were the most represented gender, and the predominant age range was 36 - 56 years. Migraine was the most frequent type of headache (38.3%), followed by tension-type headache (23.3%) and chronic headache (27.3%). The pain was pulsatile in 33.3% and left-sided in 51.7% of patients. Based on the VAS, 51.3% of participants rated their pain intensity as five or higher, and 41.7% reported regular use of medication. In most cases (76.7%), patients had consulted a neurologist directly. Physical activity worsened headaches in 53.3% of cases. More than half (56.7%) reported mobility difficulties, 51.7% had trouble washing or dressing alone, 63.3% were unable to do their daily activities, 71% experienced severe pain and discomfort, and 66.7% were extremely anxious and depressed. In our study, 56.7% of patients had mobility problems, and 26.7% were bedridden. Autonomy was impaired, with about 52% reporting difficulties in washing or dressing independently. Daily activity performance was impaired in 63% of patients (household tasks, studies, leisure). Severe anxiety and depression were present in nearly 68% of patients. Conclusion: Headaches are common in our setting, with prevalence rates comparable to those reported in other African community-based studies. Their impact on patients’ quality of life is substantial, representing a significant public health concern.