Prevalence and Impact of Dietary Habits on Headache Incidence among College Students: A Survey-Based Study

Headaches are among the most common neurological disorders affecting college students, often influenced by stress, sleep irregularities, and especially dietary habits. Factors such as high caffeine consumption, meal skipping, and intake of processed foods are increasingly recognized as potential headache triggers. Aim and objective : This study aimed to assess the prevalence of headaches and explore the association between specific dietary habits—such as caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, processed food intake, and meal skipping—and the frequency and severity of headaches in college students. Need of the study: While the impact of lifestyle factors on headaches has been widely studied, focused research on the role of diet in triggering headaches among young adults, especially college students, remains limited. Understanding these dietary correlations can help develop targeted preventive strategies and improve quality of life. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 105 college students aged 18–25 years from various institutions in Kota, India. Participants completed a dietary questionnaire administered by the researchers, which included questions about their dietary habits. Data were analyzed using statistical tools, including chi-square tests and ANOVA, to assess associations. The primary tools used were the Headache Impact Test (HIT) and a customized Dietary Habit Questionnaire to assess headache severity and dietary patterns, respectively. Results: Findings revealed that participants with high caffeine intake and frequent meal skipping had significantly higher HIT scores. Additionally, the consumption of trigger foods such as chocolate, cheese, and aspartame was strongly associated with increased headache incidence. Conversely, sodium intake and consumption of pickles or tea showed no significant relationship with headaches. Conclusion: The study concludes that irregular dietary habits, particularly high caffeine consumption, processed food intake, and skipping meals, are significantly associated with higher headache frequency and severity. These findings underscore the importance of dietary awareness and interventions in headache prevention among college students.