IJCM_366A: Role of lifestyle factors in migraine among adolescent students of a senior secondary school in east Sikkim

Abstract

Background: Migraine can be a debilitating condition. It can manifest as severe throbbing pain, often with nausea, light and sound sensitivity. It can negatively impact school performance and quality of life. Objective: 1. To assess the prevalence of migraine in adolescent students. 2. To check the relation of stress and anxiety as triggers in migraine Methodology: A cross-sectional-study was conducted in a senior secondary school among 200 adolescent students (Class X, XI, XII) via anonymous self-administered questionnaire method. Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) Questionnaire developed by World Health Organization and Headache Triggers Sensitivity and Avoidance Questionnaire-Short Form(HTSAQ-SF) was used. Conclusion: Awareness about stress and anxiety as a trigger for migraine must be emphasized. Measures to manage stress and anxiety may help students manage migraine headache better Results: The prevalence of migraine was 26% among the adolescent students. Among them, anxiety was found to be a trigger for migraine in 58%(p=0.000) (Trigger frequency: Sometimes-31%, Usually-8%, Always-19%). Stress was found to be a trigger in all of them with migraine(p=0.000) (Trigger Frequency- Sometimes-50%, Usually- 15%, Always - 35%).