The prevalence of migraine headache among the general population and its impact on quality of life in Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Migraine represents the second most disabling condition worldwide. The prevalence of migraine varies from one region and one population to another. Aim: This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of migraine in Tabuk and assess the associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a sample from the general population in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect the participants' data. It comprised questions about the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and the experienced headaches, the ID Migraine questionnaire and the Migraine specific quality of life questionnaire (MSQ 2.1). Results: The prevalence of migraine was 64.2%. Migraine was significantly associated with female gender (p<0.001), anxiety (p=0.046) and family history (p<0.001). Migraine had a significantly higher frequency (p<0.001), longer duration (p<0.001), more severity (p<0.001) and lower MSQ scores than non-migraine headaches. The most prevalent and significant triggers for migraine were noise (p<0.001), stress (p=0.001), screen usage (p=0.003) and fasting/skipping meals (p<0.001). The significantly associated relieving factors were dark and quiet environment (p<0.001), reducing noise (p<0.001) and local massage (p=0.036). Conclusions: The prevalence of Migraine headache toward our population in Tabuk city was high and consistent with current literature. Since quality of life is affected in these patients, efforts should be made to promote and support public awareness and health education of migraine headache.

Qualitative Exploration of Challenges and Management of Migraine among Pakistani Female University Students

“…In a study in Pakistan conducted with 393 individuals who were suffering from migraine aged between 10-69 years, 78.1% were females and 76.1% were students (Athar et al, 2022). Similarly, the study by Alatawi et al (2023) with 374 participants demonstrated females' comparatively higher percentage (54.5%) than males (45.5%) as well as majority were students (60.2%).…”

The effectiveness of agomelatine on headache severity and frequency in episodic migraine without aura; a parallel randomized controlled trial study

“…This common neurovascular disorder is characterized by recurring headaches ranging from mild to severe headaches. It is the second most prevalent debilitating disease [ 2 , 3 ], and affects over one billion people worldwide [ 4 , 5 ]. Migraines are often accompanied by neck pain, muscle tension, sensitivity to light and sound (photophobia, and phonophobia), and symptoms in the autonomic nervous system like nausea and vomiting [ 5 ].…”

“…The reported prevalence of migraines varies among regions and populations [ 2 ]. It also varies in various texts and sources, with estimates ranging from about 1 to 2% of the general population, up to 14 to 15%.…”

“…It also varies in various texts and sources, with estimates ranging from about 1 to 2% of the general population, up to 14 to 15%. Some studies have shown that the prevalence of migraine is 18% in women and 6% in men [ 1 , 2 , 5 – 8 ]. However, comprehensive statistics regarding the prevalence of migraine in Iran are lacking.…”