CHRONIC HEARTBURN AND HEADACHE AS PRESENTING FEATURES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN A TERIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objective: To assess the correlation between headaches, psychological distress, and persistent heartburn. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at PAF hospital, Islamabad for the duration of three months, the required sample size for this study was 165. Patients with new onset migraine or tension-type headache, experiencing heartburn or gastrointestinal distress for at least one month, aged between 25 and 45 years were included in the study. Data was entered, sorted and analysed using SPSS Version 23.0. Categorical variables were analyzed as frequency and percentages, while continuous variables were analyzed in mean and standard deviation. The chi-square test was employed to assess the significance of differences between proportions. The t-test was used to evaluate mean differences between two independent samples. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Total 165 adult patients were recruited in the study with mean age of 40.7 ± 15.1 years; gender distribution indicated 44 (36.7%) male and 76 (63.3%) females. The reason for consultation was reported as headache by 86(71.7%) of participants, while presenting complain was reported as headache by 38(31.7%), acidity by 32 (26.7%) and both by 26 (21.7%) of patients respectively. Depression anxiety stress scale indication reported 77(64.2%) of patients within normal ranges, 9 (7.5%) as mild depressed, 7 (5.8%) moderately depressed, 7 (5.8%) as severely depressed while 20 (16.7%) as extremely severe depression respectively. (Figure 02) Conclusion: The study emphasizes the intricate relationship that exists between adult mental health issues, headaches, and acidity.