Migraine among Students from the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Aim: To determine the prevalence, grades, clinical features, triggers and predictors of migraine headache among students from Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among during 2016/2017. A multi-stage stratified random sample was used, and 304 students were selected. A validated, self-administered data collection sheet was used. It included ID migraine ™, and the Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS). Migraineurs were also asked about the triggers, clinical features and factors associated with migraine. Descriptive, inferential statistics and logistic regression analyses were done.

Results: It was found that 66.4% of the participants had ≥ 1 headache attack(s) during the 3 months preceded the study. The prevalence of migraine headache was 36.5%, and 29.7% of the migraineurs suffered from severe disability based on MIDAS. In bivariate analysis, migraine was associated with gender (female), family history, and chronic diseases namely Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), asthma and anxiety. The most frequently reported triggers of migraine were sleep disturbance (78.4%) and stress (64.9%). Photophobia and difficulty in concentration were the commonest associated symptoms.

Conclusion: Migraine represents an important public health problem among students enrolled in Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences. About 30% of migraineurs suffered from severe headache disability. Family history of migraine and the presence of chronic diseases were migraine predictors. Sleep disturbance was the most frequent migraine triggers while practicing exercise was the commonest alleviating factor. Screening and providing medical care students who have migraine is recommended. Conduction of awareness campaigns and stress management courses are required.