ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS FOR MIGRAINE IN MEDICAL STUDENTS VS POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN COMPARISON TO NON-MEDICAL STUDENTS

Background: Migraine is a disabling primary headache disorder, especially prevalent among students due to academic pressure, erratic schedules, and psychological stress. However, few studies directly compare migraine burden across undergraduate medical, postgraduate medical, and nonmedical student populations. Objectives: To determine and compare the prevalence and risk factors of migraine among different student groups using a validated screening tool, and assess associations with stress, sleep disturbances, screen time, and family history. Methods: A crosssectional, interview-based study was conducted over two months with 600 students (200 from each group). The ID-Migraine™ tool and ICHD-3 criteria were used for diagnosis. Data included demographics, stress (Likert scale), sleep, screen time, caffeine intake, and family history. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression. Results: Overall migraine prevalence was 28.3%. PG medical students had the highest prevalence (37%), followed by UG medical (29%) and non-medical students (19%) (p<0.01). Females constituted 81.8% of cases. Risk factors included female gender (OR=1.9), higher stress (OR=1.5), irregular sleep (OR=2.2), longer screen time (OR=1.4), and family history (OR=2.8). Caffeine use was not significant. Conclusion: Migraine prevalence is highest in postgraduate medical students, strongly associated with modifiable lifestyle factors. Interventions targeting stress reduction and sleep hygiene are needed, especially in medical institutions.