Real-world healthcare resource utilisation for migraine: Analysis of an administrative database in Colombia

Migraine is a chronic condition characterised by recurrent episodes of severe headache, significantly affecting the functionality of the individuals. The global prevalence and the impact on quality of life highlight the need for research on its epidemiology and management, especially in specific contexts such as Colombia, where information on the subject is scarce.

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted with data from the Information System for Social Protection in Colombia (SISPRO) between 2027 and 2021, evaluating the incidence, prevalence, treatment pattern and cost associated with migraine management.

293 028 incident cases and 1 711 794 prevalent cases of migraine were identified with a higher incidence and prevalence in women. The use of prophylactic treatments and visits to the neurology department showed an increasing trend. Although pharmaceutical costs represented the greatest economic burden, they decreased over the course of the study. The annual healthcare cost per patient, expressed in purchasing power parity (PPP) decreased from $110 PPP in 2017 to a minimum of $39 PPP in 2019. The annual pharmacy cost per patient also dropped from $115 PPP in 2017 to $64 PPP in 2019.

This study highlights migraine as a common condition in Colombia, with a prevalence and management that reflect a need for improved educational and treatment strategies. The research also highlights the importance of national data in understanding and addressing this condition, suggesting the need for public health policies focused on the prevention and optimised management of migraine.