Prevalence and Pain Intensity of Migraine among Medical and Non-Medical University Students in Karachi: A Cross-Sectional Study

Migraine in University Students

Authors

  • Ulfat Munaf Isra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isra University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Fouzia Husaain Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Saman Habib Isra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isra University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Ahad Hasan Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Nisha Rafique Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Abid Gill Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

Keywords:

Headache, Migraine, Pain

Abstract

Background: Headache is one of the most common complaints in patients and affects students at the University in multiple ways, including impairing efficiency, social functioning, and overall quality of life. This study aimed at identifying the migraine conditions in undergraduate medical and non-medical students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 377 undergraduates, on the basis of non-probability convenience sampling techniques. Those who had migraines were included in the study. ID questionnaire and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) were distributed in different medical and non-medical universities in Karachi, Pakistan. The analysis was conducted with the SPSS Version 23.0 package that presents data in frequencies and percentages.

Results: A total of 57.3% participants complained of nausea at the time of headache, while 56.8% of cases reported moderate pain.

Conclusion: The study highlighted a relatively greater prevalence of migraine headaches among female students compared to their male counterparts. It further established that participants experienced a significant reduction in their capacity to accomplish their daily work and study while suffering from migraine episodes. Thus, it suggests the need to address migraine-related concerns among students, particularly in the academic environment, to improve the well-being and performance of students as a whole.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/03.01/006

Author Biographies

Ulfat Munaf, Isra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isra University, Karachi, Pakistan

House Officer

Fouzia Husaain, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

Senior Lecturer, College of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences

Saman Habib, Isra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isra University, Karachi, Pakistan

Senior Lecturer

Ahad Hasan, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

Assistant Professor, College of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences

Nisha Rafique, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

Lecturer, College of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences

Abid Gill, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

Lecturer, College of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences

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Published

2025-01-30