Prevalence and Treatment Adequacy of Migraine Among Semi Urban Population in Chennai

Abstract

Introduction: Migraine is a common disorder having a signifi cant impact on the quality of daily life. Despite the fact, migraine
largely remains an under diagnosed and an undertreated condition. The study aims to assess the prevalence, distribution,
treatment patterns and success among migraineurs.
Material and Methods: The study was conducted as a community based study using Kiel headache questionnaire developed
based on the International Headache Society criteria for migraine. A visual acuity score chart was be used to establish treatment
success. Study population and area: This study was done among adults 18 years and above with history of headaches for more
than a year in the fi eld practice area of the Community Medicine Department of TMCH during May to June 2014. Sample size:
The sample size calculated was 340 (with the existing prevalence of 22.7% and 20% allowable error). Statistical technique:
Data were entered in Excel sheet and analysis were be done using SPSS software.
Results: The prevalence of migraine among the 499 people who were sampled was 32%, while that of classical migraine was
11.2%. There was a female preponderance in the prevalence of migraine. Females accounted for 59.6% of the migraineurs
and it was highly prevalent in adults among 31-45 years, who constituted 38% of the migraineurs. Prevalence of migraine was
comparatively higher in people of socio-economic class 1 with 39.6% having migraine. Despite the frequency and severity of
headaches only 32% of the migraineurs had sought physician consult, 39.6% claimed not taking any medicines and the rest
were on self-medication. The treatment success rate was 38.3% and 1% of the study population had migraine prophylactic drugs.
Conclusion: Despite the higher prevalence of migraine in this population than the global prevalence, majority of them do not
seek proper medical treatment.