Prevalence, Characteristics and Risk Factors of Migraine Headache Among Students in Horus University-Egypt: A Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Migraine is a common neurological impairment with a significant disease burden. A number of different factors can trigger migraine attacks as anxiety, stress, skipped meals and irregular sleep pattern. Objectives: This study was done to estimate the prevalence of migraine and to determine its characteristics in students of Horus University, Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done utilizing a self-administered questionnaire. The study included 1339 students. Migraine-related quality of life and disability were evaluated utilizing Migraine Specific Quality of life Questionnaire (MSQ) as well as Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) respectively. Results: Migraine headaches affected 24% of the population. The most frequent migraine triggers were mental stress, exertion, sleep disturbance and prolonged mobile use (74%, 72.7%, 68% and 55.8% respectively). Being a female, in the middle academic years and having low academic degrees were significant predictors of migraine among university students. Regarding migraine students, disability was significantly higher among females and students who don’t live with their families. Besides, their quality of life was significantly low among males, nonmedical students, students with low academic degrees and those with irregular physical exercise. Conclusion: The high prevalence of migraines among college students has a detrimental effect on their quality of life and causes a major disability.