To assess the prevalence of headache and conorbid depression and investigate factors associated with their severity among medical students in jordan.

Headache and depression are major public health problems worldwide. Primary headaches are two to four times more common in individuals with psychiatric comorbidities, including depression. University students, particularly medical students, are prone to both conditions. This study aims to assess the prevalence of headache and depression and investigate factors associated with their severity among medical students.

Between November 2023 and March 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted in faculties of medicine in Jordan. Headache diagnosis was made according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3), while headache severity was assessed using the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6). To assess depression and its severity, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was utilized.

A total of 738 responses were included in the analysis, out of whom 67.9% (501) were female. The prevalence of headaches and depression was 69.5% and 31.2%, respectively. A significant association was found between depression and headache diagnosis (p< 0.001). Severe depression was more common in students with migraines than those with tension-type headaches (15.7% vs. 8.4%). Regarding predictors of headache and depression severity, male students and those living with friends had lower odds of severe headaches (OR 0.456, CI [0.28-0.736], P < 0.001) and (OR 0.518, CI [0.286-0.921], P < 0.027) respectively. Participants with migraines or severe headaches were more likely to experience severe depression than those with tension headaches (OR 1.91, CI [1.27-2.88] P < 0.002) or mild headaches (OR 2.97, CI [1.37-6.48], P < 0.006).

We  found that medical students experience a notably higher prevalence of headaches and depression compared to the general population. We also identified a significant link between depression and headache diagnoses. It is essential to prioritize addressing these issues, especially among students.