Illness Perception and its Association with Emotional Distress Among Adults with Migraine: A Cross-Sectional Study

Migraine is a prevalent and disabling neurological disorder that significantly impairs quality of life. In Pakistan, limited awareness, stigma, and sociocultural misconceptions often delay diagnosis and treatment. Understanding how patients perceive their illness is essential for improving management and outcomes.

This study explored illness perceptions of migraine among adults in Lahore, Pakistan, and examined their associations with demographic, clinical, and psychological factors.

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to September 2025 using the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ). Adults aged 18-70 years with a clinician-diagnosed migraine were recruited through online platforms. Sociodemographic and clinical data were analyzed using SPSS v23. Non-parametric tests and multiple regression analyses were applied to identify correlates and factors independently associated with emotional response.

Of 230 participants, 66.5% were male and 72.2% aged 18-25 years. Psychological and lifestyle factors i.e. stress (11.7%), anxiety (10.8%), and tension (8.7%) were the most frequently perceived causes of migraine. Women and unemployed participants reported significantly higher emotional impact (p < .05). Longer illness duration correlated with stronger chronicity beliefs, and higher attack frequency was linked to greater concern and distress. Regression analysis identified gender, symptom identity, concern, and illness coherence as factors independently associated with emotional response (p < .05).

Negative illness perceptions, particularly heightened concern and emotional reactivity, were correlated with psychological distress among migraine patients. Interventions promoting adaptive illness beliefs and psychoeducation may enhance coping, adherence, and overall quality of life in this population.