Impact of migraine on work productivity of healthcare providers at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Migraine is more prevalent among healthcare providers (HCPs), which adversely affects the quality of life and work productivity. This study aimed to screen for migraine in HCPs working at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital and its drawbacks on work productivity. METHODS: This door-to-door survey was held at the workplace, targeting HCPs at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital. Migraine screening was conducted based on the migraine diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders- 3rd edition. Healthcare providers with migraines were requested to answer the Migraine Disability Assessment Test (MIDAS) and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire-General Health Version (WPAI-GH). Absenteeism, presenteeism, and economic loss due to migraine were calculated. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred seventy-nine HCPs working at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital agreed to participate in our survey. Only 387 (32.8%) participants met the diagnostic criteria of migraine, 31.8% of them had MIDAS grade-IV. The mean score of the WPAI-GH was 60.47 ± 40. The mean percent of absenteeism and presenteeism was 12.29% and 46%, respectively. The mean economic loss caused by absenteeism and presenteeism was $29.4 and $38.2, respectively. Participants with MIDAS grade-IV had significantly higher absenteeism, presenteeism, and economic loss than those in lower grades. Although 159 HCPs with migraine had indications for prophylactic treatment, only 73.6% received it. CONCLUSION: About one-third of HCPs at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital suffered from migraines, which negatively affected their work productivity, with higher presenteeism than absenteeism. Strenuous efforts should be directed toward reducing the cost burden associated with migraine.