Migraine among Medical and Non-Medical Students of Hail University

Alharbi, Abdullah Abdulhadi Hammad; Alharbi, Saleh H.; Albalawi, Alanoud Mansour Ayed; Alshdokhi, Ali M.; Alanazi, Waad Alazri S; Alsiraa, Munirah Nasser Nayed; Alkhrisi, Munirah Hamdan; Al-Ostaz, Sama Ahmad; Al-Harbi, Dalal Ayedh; Alruwaili, Rahaf Mohammed

Migraine among Medical and Non-Medical Students of Hail University

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ University Of Hail, College Of Medicine

² Internal Medicine Department, Alimam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University

³ Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University

⁴ University of Tabuk, faculty of medicine

⁵ Battarje Medical College BMC

⁶ Jouf University, faculty of medicine

Abstract

Background: Migraine is a common neurological disorder with significant impact on quality of life. The unpredictable nature of the disease leads to frequent absenteeism or decreased productivity at work. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of migraine in medical and non medical students of Hail University, KSA and to assess their knowledge about the disease. Methods: The present cross sectional community based study was conducted in Hail University. Materials and Methods: The study included 800 students; 332 medical and 468 non medical students formed the study group. Students filled a

detailed questionnaire focusing on demographics, pain characteristics, accompanying factors, triggers, and knowledge about migraine. Lifestyle variables were enquired and migraine associated absenteeism. The diagnosis of migraine was made according to the International Headache Society criteria. Results: The students’ awareness of migraine was good, as 48.9% of non medical and 84.6% of medical students had a good background. Twelve point seven percent of medical and 51.5% of non medical students had headache. The prevalence of migraine in all students was 35.4%; however the prevalence was 80.1% of males and 61.9% in females. About half (44.4%) of medical and 45.2% of non medical had the first attack at 18-22 years. In 20.7% of non medical and 31.0% of medical had migraine attack lasting 5-12 hours. Forty one point five percent of non medical and 38.1% of medical students had neck stiffness as accompanying symptoms. Trigger factors were prolonged sleeping and irregular exercises in 29.5% of non medical and 16.6% of medical students . Pain of migraine radiated to the back of the head in 26.1% of non medical and 14.3% of medical students. Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, Ergotamine, Opioids, non pharmaceutical was used in 19.9% of non medical and 42.9% of medical students. Conclusion: Our study found a high prevalence of migraine in non medical and medical students. The students’ awareness of the disease was good and most of the students resorted self- medication. Our study identified previously less-recognized triggers like prolonged sleeping hours and accompanying symptoms like neck stiffness.

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