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The Prevalence and Impact of Migraine Among Physicians in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Rami M Algahtani, Renad Melebary, Lujain Alzahrani, Aseel Alahmadi, Nada Almalayo, Razan Melebary

Cureus, 2024

62 participants · 1 citation

Abstract

Background Migraine is a primary headache disorder and one of the most common causes of disability worldwide. Prior reports showed a higher prevalence of migraine among physicians. We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence of migraine among physicians in Saudi Arabia, as well as its impact on quality of life. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated online questionnaire that was distributed among physicians in various medical and surgical specialties in Saudi Arabia from January to June 2023. The inclusion criteria involved physicians in all specialties, who worked in governmental or private hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Employed or healthcare workers other than physicians were excluded. To measure the impact of headache on a person’s quality of life, the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) test was applied. Statistical analysis of the study was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results We had 387 respondents, of whom 362 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 33.02 ± 9.07 years, and genders were distributed equally. Most physicians worked in departments of internal medicine, family medicine, general practice, and general surgery. The prevalence of migraine was recorded in 17.1% (62 patients) of all the included participants, with a female predominance. MIDAS revealed a total mean score of 16.823±14.149. The severity grades were classified as moderate (37.1%),…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 62 participants or records.

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