Headache in Brazilian older people in the context of COVID-19 infodemic

Abstract

Objective

Analyze the prevalence and factors associated with headache in Brazilian older people in the context of COVID-19 Infodemic.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 3,307 elderly Brazilians using a virtual questionnaire, self-completed using a cell phone, tablet or computer with internet access. Data collection was developed between June 2020 and January 2021. The analysis model consisted of variables distributed into four blocks: exogenous variables, primary determinants, health behaviors and health conditions. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to estimate the associations.

Results

The prevalence of headache was 31.7%. The outcome was associated with the use of psychotropic drugs, concern with information about covid-19, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and perception of stress.

Conclusion

Anxiety, depression and stress are thought to be associated with headache in older adults who are exposed to excess information and fake news about covid-19.

Keywords
covid-19; Headache; Aged