Learning Migraine Self-management: The Role of Mothers and Socioeconomic Status

Abstract

Self-management is key for improving migraine-related outcomes, which differ by socioeconomic status. As with other conditions, social networks may play a role in learning migraine self-management strategies, yet research in this area is lacking. We interviewed 6 women on how, and from whom, they learned to self-manage migraine. These exploratory, qualitative findings suggest migraine self-management strategies were learned from trusted migraineurs, predominantly mothers and grandmothers. Strategies varied between women with higher and lower socioeconomic status. We call for additional research on how social learning affects current self-management to guide providers in understanding and optimizing migraine self-management counseling with patients.