Prevalence, burden, and risk factors of migraine: A community-based study from Eastern India

Headache is common in communities; however, epidemiological research regarding its prevalence is infrequent in India.

We planned to study the prevalence of migraine, its disease burden, and the associated risk factors.

This is an urban community study conducted in Kolkata with a cross-sectional and nested case-control design.

The criteria to study headache among a representative sample (aged 20-50 years) was based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II. Sex- and age-matched controls without headache were evaluated for putative risk factors. The disease burden was measured as disability adjusted life years (DALY).

Screening of 2421 individuals revealed that the 1-year prevalence of migraine was 14.12%. Education, environmental exposure, travel, and oral contraceptives determine approximately 75% of the underlying risks. DALY showed maximum burden among women in the age range of between 30 and 34 years.

The community-based prevalence of migraine in India is similar to that observed in other countries except Africa. The burden was maximum among women. The risk factors responsible for migraine should be addressed and institution of public health measures are warranted.