Prevalence and Coping of Exam‑Related Headaches: Insights from a Libyan University Context
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https://doi.org/10.61705/3df9wx48Keywords:
Exam-Related Headache, Prevalence, Pain Intensity, Management Strategies, University StudentsAbstract
Headache disorders are common among university students and often intensify during examination periods. This study investigated the prevalence, frequency, intensity, quality, and management of exam-related headaches among male and female students, as well as their preferred institutional initiatives to reduce stress. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 270 students, including 120 males and 150 females. Results showed that headache prevalence was high in both groups, with 83.3% of males and 93.3% of females reporting headaches. Females experienced headaches more frequently, with 66.7% reporting episodes “almost every/often” compared to 41.7% of males. Mean pain intensity was moderate, averaging 5.8 for males and 6.6 for females, with no significant difference. The quality of headache pain was similar across genders, with pulsating or pressing sensations most frequently reported. A significant difference was observed in management strategies: males were more likely to ignore headaches (60.0%), while females more often used painkillers (42.9%) or rest (35.7%). Students identified several institutional initiatives to mitigate exam-related headaches, with the most endorsed being more organized exam schedules (81.5%), quiet study spaces (66.7%), and encouragement of healthy sleep habits (66.7%). These findings highlight the burden of exam-related headaches and emphasize the importance of institutional reforms and health promotion strategies to support student well-being and academic performance.
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