Migraine as an occupational health risk among nurses in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia: a multicenter study of risk perceptions and associated factors.

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a common neurological disorder and an emerging occupational health risk among nurses due to demanding workloads, shift work, workplace stress, and prolonged screen exposure. Understanding nurses' risk perceptions of migraine and its associated occupational factors is essential for workforce health planning and healthcare risk management.

AIM: This study aimed to explore migraine as an occupational health risk among nurses in Saudi Arabia by examining nurses' risk perceptions and identifying associated demographic, occupational, and lifestyle-related factors across multiple healthcare centers.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted and reported in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. A convenience sample of 2012 registered nurses in hospitals affiliated with the Qassim Health Cluster. Using a self-administered online survey to assess migraine prevalence, associated occupational risk factors, and related health characteristics. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Among the 2,012 nurses included in the study, 64.5% were female, and 22.6% were aged 26-34 years. Nurses working in the Emergency Department constituted the largest departmental group (11%). Migraine was reported by 40.9% of participants, with 25.6% attributing symptoms primarily to work-related pressure. Nearly one-quarter (23.3%) reported experiencing migraine for 5 years or longer, while only 31.1% expressed satisfaction with their work environment. Significant relationship was identified between migraine occurrence and working department, daily shift duration, number of patients under care, and availability of assistant nurses. Additionally, 59% of the studied nurses demonstrated unsatisfactory behavioral responses toward migraine coping strategies, indicating potential gaps in effective migraine management among nursing staff.

CONCLUSION

Migraine is highly prevalent among nurses in Saudi Arabia and is significantly associated with occupational workload, work environment characteristics, and lifestyle-related factors. These findings underscore migraine as an important occupational health risk with implications for workforce well-being, healthcare risk management, and policy development.