Abstract
Background
Postoperative headache is a medical condition that has a strong association with future recurrent and chronic headache, higher morbidity and mortality, extended hospital stays, poor quality of life and high financial burden. Despite, having these consequences, there are limited studies regarding the incidence and associated factors of postoperative headache.
Objective
The objective of this study was to assess the incidence and associated factors of postoperative headache among adult elective surgical patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Northwest Ethiopia, April 9 to 20 June 2022.
Methods
An institution -based follow- up study was conducted from April 9 to June 20 2022, at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, after approval of ethical committee, Consecutively 424 patients were included. Postoperative headache was measured based on patient interview and the response was dichotomized as present or absent. Data were collected through chart review as well as patient interviews using a questionnaire. Data entered in to epidata 4.6.0 and statistical analysis was performed using stata version 14.01 software. Descriptive statistics was conducted to summarize patient’s information and to determine the incidence of postoperative headache. Binary logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with postoperative headache. Variables with P-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results
The overall incidence of postoperative headache in the first three postoperative days was 54.3% and the response rate was 99%. Previous history of headache (AOR = 4.83, CI = 2.42 9.73), prolonged fasting (AOR = 2.28, CI = 1.44–3.60), general anesthesia (AOR = 1.96, CI = 1.25 3.07), intraoperative hypotension (AOR = 1.74, CI = 1.06–2.88), female gender (AOR = 1.62,CI = 1.06–2.54) and caffeine consumption(AOR = 1.60,CI = 1.02–2.52) were significantly associated with postoperative headache and most of patients (39%) were experienced moderate headache
Conclusion and recommendations:
According to the findings of our study, more than half of surgical patients suffered from postoperative headache. Use of general anesthesia techniques, having history of headache, being female, intraoperative hypotension, caffeine consumption and having prolonged preoperative fasting were strongly associated with postoperative headache. The problem needs regular assessment and treatment.