Objectives:To determine the prevalence, predictors, triggers and educational outcome of migraine among medical students and interns in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was completed among 566 participants selected through a multistage stratified random sample method. A validated, confidential, self-administered data collection sheet was utilized. It contained ID Migraine test™, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Questions about possible predictors, triggers and impact of migraine were asked. Descriptive, inferential statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted.Results:More than one-half (54.9%) of the participants had ≥ 2 headache attacks during the three months preceded the study. The prevalence of migraine was 26.3%, and 41.6% of the cases suffered from severe pain. The main migraine predictors were Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs), family history of migraine, female gender, and enrollment in the second academic year. Exam stress and sleep disturbances were the commonest triggers. The majority of the participants reported that their educational performance and ability to attend sessions were affected during migraine attacks.Conclusion:A relatively high prevalence of migraine was seen among our participants. FGIDs, gender and academic year were the predictors. Screening and management of migraine among medical students are required. Conduction of relaxation programs and stress management courses are also recommended.

IntroductionProlonged waiting times during episodes of emergency department (ED) crowding are associated with poor outcomes. Point-of-care testing (POCT) at ED triage prior to physician evaluation may help identify critically ill patients. We studied the impact of ED POCT in a single ED with a high degree of crowding for patients with high-risk complaints who were triaged as non-critically ill.MethodsWe conducted the study from April–July 2017 at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients with one of seven complaints received triage POCT. The primary outcome was whether POCT results at triage resulted in immediate transfer of the patient from the waiting room into the ED. Secondary outcomes were whether the triage nurse felt that the POCT results were useful, and whether triage POCT changed triage acuity. We used simple descriptive statistics to summarize the data.ResultsA total of 94 patients were enrolled and received i-STAT® POCT. The most common symptoms and triage protocols were for chest pain (42%), abdominal pain (31%), and shortness of breath (22%). In 11 cases (12%), care was changed as a result of triage POCT. In 12 cases (13%), triage level was changed. The triage nurse found POCT helpful in 93% of cases.ConclusionIn this ED, triage POCT was a helpful adjunct at ED triage and resulted in immediate care (transfer to an ED room) in one in eight cases. Therefore, POCT at triage may be a useful adjunct to improve patient safety, particularly in crowded EDs.