Articles Vol. 67 No. 10 25/10/2026

CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DISEASE SEVERITY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE

Nguyen The Vinh, Cao Trung Nghia, Nguyen Van Phong, Huynh Phu Loc, Nguyen Thanh Nhu
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v67i10.6869
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Abstract

Objective: To investigate clinical characteristics and factors associated with the severity of chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 180 patients diagnosed with CTTH who were examined and treated at Can Tho City General Hospital from July 2025-February 2026. Results: The mean age was 43.60 ± 7.66 years, and females accounted for 63.9% of the patients. Insomnia was the most common triggering factor, reported in 58.3% of patients. The temporal region was the most common headache location (80.6%). Factors independently associated with severe chronic tension-type headache included age ≥40 years (OR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.03–5.22; p = 0.043), diabetes mellitus (OR = 4.63; 95% CI: 2.09–10.25; p < 0.001), stimulant use (OR = 8.65; 95% CI: 3.23–23.17; p < 0.001), and anxiety and stress (OR = 8.11; 95% CI: 3.14–20.94; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Chronic tension-type headache is commonly triggered by insomnia, the temporal region being the most frequent site of pain. Age ≥40 years, diabetes mellitus, stimulant use, and anxiety and stress are independently associated with greater disease severity.

Keywords
chronic tension-type headache, clinical characteristics, risk factors.
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