Migraine-Related Disability, Work Productivity, and Daily Functioning Among Employed Adults: A Prospective Mixed-Methods Study

BackgroundMigraine is a common neurological disorder that can substantially affect occupational productivity, daily functioning, and health-related quality of life.This study assessed migraine-related disability and work productivity among employed adults and explored their coping strategies, workplace experiences, and perceived workplace accommodations. MethodologyA prospective mixed-methods observational study was conducted among 150 employed adults aged 18-55 years with a clinical diagnosis of migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition (ICHD-3).Migraine-related disability and work productivity were assessed at baseline and at the four-month follow-up using the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI).Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 purposively selected participants to explore coping strategies and workplace experiences. ResultsAmong 150 participants, most were women (68.0%), with a mean age of 34.8 ± 7.2 years.At four-month follow-up, migraine frequency, attack duration, pain severity, migraine-related disability, and work and daily activity impairment were reduced compared with baseline.Higher migraine burden was associated with greater productivity and activity impairment.Qualitative interviews with 30 participants identified coping strategies, trigger management, workplace accommodations, psychological impact, and social support as major themes. ConclusionMigraine was associated with substantial occupational and functional impairment among employed adults.Reductions in migraine frequency, attack duration, and pain severity over four months were accompanied by lower levels of severe disability and productivity-related impairment.The qualitative findings further highlighted the relevance of individualized coping strategies and supportive workplace accommodations in managing migraine-related challenges in the workplace.