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- Jonsson, Pernilla, 1978, et al.
(author)
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Holding on to the indispensable medication –A grounded theory on medication use from the perspective of persons with medication overuse headache
- 2013
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In: Journal of Headache and Pain. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1129-2369 .- 1129-2377. ; 14:43, s. 1-11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a chronic headache disorder, caused by overuse of acute medication. To date, it remains unclear why some people overuse these medications. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how individuals with MOH use medications and other strategies to manage headaches in their daily lives, and their thoughts about their own use of acute medication. Our intention was to develop a theoretical model about the development of MOH, from the perspective of those with MOH. Methods: Data collection and analysis were conducted according to grounded theory methodology. The participants were recruited via newspaper advertisements. Fourteen persons with MOH were interviewed in individual qualitative interviews. Results: The basic process leading to medication overuse was holding on to the indispensable medication. The acute medication was indispensable to the participants because they perceived it as the only thing that could prevent headaches from ruining their lives. The participants perceived headaches as something that threatened to ruin their lives. As a result, they went to great lengths trying to find ways to manage it. They tried numerous strategies. However, the only strategy actually perceived as effective was the use of acute medication and they eventually became resigned to the idea that it was the only effective aid. The acute medication thus became indispensable. Their general intention was to use as little medication as possible but they found themselves compelled to medicate frequently to cope with their headaches. They did not like to think about their medication use and sometimes avoided keeping track of the amount used. Conclusions: This qualitative study adds understanding to the process via which MOH develops from the perspective of those having MOH. Such knowledge may help bridge the gap between the perspectives of patients and health-care professionals.
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| 2. |
- Jonsson, Pernilla, 1978, et al.
(author)
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Sociodemographic differences in medication use, health-care contacts and sickness absence among individuals with medication-overuse headache
- 2012
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In: Journal of Headache and Pain. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1129-2369 .- 1129-2377. ; 13:4, s. 281-290
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The objective of this study was to analyse sociodemographic differences in medication use, health-care contacts and sickness absence among individuals with medication-overuse headache (MOH). A cross-sectional, population survey was conducted, in which 44,300 Swedes (a parts per thousand yen15 years old) were interviewed over telephone. In total, 799 individuals had MOH. Of these, 47 % ( = 370) only used over-the-counter medications. During the last year, 46 % ( = 343) had made a headache-related visit to their physician and 14 % ( = 102) had visited a neurologist. Among individuals aged < 30 years, the number of days/month with headache was greater than the number of days with medication use, whereas the opposite was true for those a parts per thousand yen30 years. Both the proportion using prophylactic medication and the proportion having consulted a neurologist were smaller among those who only had elementary school education than among those with higher education ( = 0.021 and = 0.046). Those with a lower level of education also had a higher number of days/month with headache and with medication use than those with a higher educational level ( = 0.011 and = 0.018). The MOH-sufferers have limited contacts with health-care and preventive measures thus need to include other actors as well. Particular efforts should be directed towards those with low educational levels, and more research on medication use in relation to age is required.
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