The multifaceted effects of migraine on Syrian society: insights from a multicenter cross-sectional study

Migraine is the most common primary headache. It's alone responsible for 1.3% of disability in the world. Migraine both worsen quality of life of individuals and place a significant burden on the society. Despite this, there exists a knowledge gap regarding its repercussions on the Syrian population.

This cross-sectional study enrolled 679 migraine-diagnosed patients from all over Syria through electronic questionnaires disseminated on official social media platforms. Depending on demographic characteristics, physical and mental debility assessed using the Chalder scale, the Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD_2) scale.

Our study included 679 participants (mean age: 29.49 years; BMI: 24.55). The sample was predominantly female (74.7%) and mostly single (52%). Females reported higher fatigue (mean = 21.48) than males (mean = 19.22; p < .001). However, Males had better Migraine-Specific Quality of Life (MSQ) scores (mean = 49.90) compared to females (mean = 42.27; p < .001). Females scored higher on anxiety (GAD-2: mean = 2.99 vs. mean = 2.35; p < .001). Moreover, urban residents had higher scores on the Role Preventive (RF-P) subscale of the MSQ than rural residents (mean = 49.93 vs. mean = 44.82; p = .014). Higher fatigue and anxiety levels were associated with lower quality of life scores.

This study aimed to elucidate the multifaceted impact of migraines on daily life, considering diverse demographic variables to enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and disease management strategies.