Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the development of medication overuse headache (MOH) in medical students, as well as to determine possible triggers. Methods: Quantitative research, exploratory, using a questionnaire applied to medical students at a university center. Results: 240 medical students participated in the research, 23.50% (n = 43) fulfilling the criteria for chronic headache. Of these, 26 (60.47%) have criteria for MOH. The prevalence of chronic headache was a variable dependent on the consumption of simple analgesics (p <0.0001), combined analgesics (p <0.0001), ergots (p <0.0001) and triptans (p = 0.0450). Of the investigated triggers, 51.25% of the students reported not having an excellent sleep quality and 37.92% associated it with the period of tests/presentation of papers (p <0.0001). Only 10.83% considered themselves alcoholics and 1.67% smokers. Among the protective factors, only 23.26% underwent non-drug therapy (acupuncture, cold compress) and 51.16% practiced physical activity regularly. Conclusion: The study's findings alert scientific communities to the risks of MOH among medical students. Awareness-raising practices and pedagogical strategies must be instituted in all higher education institutions in order to minimize academic losses.