Psychosocial factors as predictors of headache chronification: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies
Abstract
Objectives/background: This study aimed to systematically review the literature and summarize, as well as quantitatively pool when feasible, longitudinal evidence regarding psychosocial predictors of headache chronification.
Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycInfo. The Domain-Determinants-Outcome framework was used to design the search strategy, and studies were screened according to the Patients Intervention Comparator Outcome Timing Setting framework. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was performed, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.
Results: The initial search, including two additional studies identified through hand-searching, yielded 1509 studies after removal of duplicates, of which eight met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies focused on depression as a predictor of migraine chronification and one on depression as a predictor of tension-type headache (TTH) chronification. One study examined anxiety and another studied stress as predictors of both migraine and TTH chronification. Five studies were included in the meta-analysis for depression as predictor; the pooled unadjusted risk ratio was 2.26 (95% confidence interval = 1.69-3.02), the adjusted risk ratio was 1.53 (95% confidence interval = 1.47-1.58), and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation assessment…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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