Burden of migraine among university students in the Middle East and North Africa: a cross-sectional study of prevalence, mental health comorbidities, and disability.

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a prevalent and debilitating neurological condition that significantly impact the academic lives of university students. Despite its high prevalence, migraine is often underreported, underdiagnosed, and inadequately managed particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of migraine identified by screening, related disability, and psychological comorbidities among university students in the MENA region.

METHODS

We conducted a multinational cross-sectional study among university students in 11 low and middle-income countries in the MENA region, using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The convenience and snowball sampling methods were used. This study utilized a validated questionnaire to collect data on migraine frequency, characteristics, disability, associated depression, anxiety, and triggers.

RESULTS

The present study screened a total of 5,954 students for migraine. Of them, 26.1% screened positive for migraine. Iraq had the highest prevalence 38.9%, followed by Algeria 31.5%, and the lowest was in Egypt 19.9% and Morocco 18.4%. Common migraine triggers included sleeping disturbances 59.7%, noise 47.4%, and sun exposure 45.6%. Among positive cases, 23.2% had severe disability, 29.9% had moderate anxiety, and 72.5% had severe depression. The main predictors of migraine were females, older age, and non-medical field university students. Adequate hydration, sufficient sleep, regular physical activity, higher fluid intake, and extended study hours were associated with a lower risk of migraine. Daily caffeine consumption was associated with increased migraine risk. A modest negative relationship was found between academic success and migraine disability score.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated a high proportion of students screened positive for migraine with significant associations to depression, anxiety, and disability. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to increase awareness about migraine-related comorbidities, screening programs to help in early detection, and lifestyle modification. Universities should develop and implement coping strategies to support affected students.