Prevalence and Determinants of Migraine Among College Students in Ernakulam, Kerala, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study found that nearly 38% of college students in Ernakulam, India, likely have migraines, with stress, poor sleep, and long screen time being key factors.

Contribution

The study identifies specific lifestyle and sociodemographic factors linked to probable migraine in Indian college students.

Findings

Probable migraine prevalence was 37.5% among college students in Ernakulam.

Female gender, high stress, inadequate sleep, and prolonged screen time were independently associated with probable migraine.

No significant associations were found with age, study course, or substance use.

Abstract

Background

Migraine is a common and disabling neurological disorder among young adults that can impair academic performance, social functioning, and the quality of life. Commonly reported triggers include psychological stress, inadequate sleep, and prolonged screen exposure; however, migraine is frequently underrecognized or misclassified as a nonspecific headache. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of probable migraine and examine its association with selected sociodemographic and lifestyle factors among college students in Ernakulam district, Kerala, India.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 491 college students over a two-week period. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire that included the ID-Migraine screening tool to identify probable migraine. Statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software (retrieved from https://www.jamovi.org). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors independently associated with probable migraine, with results expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The prevalence of probable migraine was 37.5% (n = 184; 95% CI: 33.2-41.8). The prevalence was higher among women (n = 119, 46.5%) compared to men (n = 65, 27.7%). On multivariable analysis, higher perceived stress, female gender, inadequate sleep (<8 hours/day), and prolonged screen time (>6 hours/day) were independently associated with probable migraine. No statistically significant associations were observed with age, the course of study, accommodation type, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, or substance use.

Conclusion

Probable migraine was highly prevalent among college students in Ernakulam district and was significantly associated with perceived stress, sleep deprivation, female gender, and prolonged screen exposure. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating migraine screening, stress management strategies, the promotion of healthy sleep practices, and guidance on healthy screen use within student health services to improve well-being in this population.

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