Awareness, Prevalence, Causes, and Effects of Migraine Among Medical Students in Lahore, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Migraine is one of the most prevalent types of primary headaches affecting 11.6% (95% CI: 10.7-12.5%) of the global population. University students frequently experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and irregular sleep patterns, which contribute to migraine occurrences. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, frequency, triggers, and effects of migraine among students in public and private medical colleges/universities in Lahore, Pakistan, specifically focusing on disability assessment and trigger identification. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at medical universities in Lahore from February to September 2024. Using systematic random sampling, 201 MBBS students were selected from a sampling frame of 420 students (response rate: 95.7%). The sample size was calculated using OpenEpi software (α=0.05, power=90%, anticipated frequency=60%). Participants completed a validated questionnaire (Cronbach's α=0.82) based on IHS criteria and MIDAS scoring. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Results: Among 201 participants (mean age: 22.21 years, SD±1.73), migraine prevalence was 20.4% (95% CI: 15.1-26.5%). Female students were more prevalent (23.3% vs 17.3%, p=0.042). Primary triggers included sleep deprivation (78.5%), stress (72.3%), and irregular meals (65.7%). MIDAS scores revealed moderate to severe disability in 53.7% (95% CI: 37.4-69.3%) of migraine sufferers. Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between migraine and stress (OR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.45-3.78, p=0.001), sleep deprivation (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.23-2.91, p=0.004), and family history (OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.12-2.77, p=0.014). Conclusion: The study found substantial migraine prevalence among medical students, with a significant impact on academic performance. Implementation of stress management programs and regular sleep hygiene education is recommended. Future longitudinal studies should investigate intervention effectiveness