AWARENESS OF SYMPTOM PROFILE, AND HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF MIGRAINE AMONG INDIVIDUALS AGED 15–60 YEARS: A QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Migraine is a common yet underdiagnosed disorder that ca significantly affects the quality of life. Low awareness regarding its symptoms and management leads to delayed diagnosis and poor health-seeking behavior.

Objectives: To assess awareness of migraine, describe symptom profiles, identify triggers, and evaluate health-seeking behavior among individuals aged 15–60 years.

Methods: A questionnaire-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare center in Central India. A total of 80 participants aged 15–60 years were enrolled. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, headache characteristics, associated symptoms, triggers, awareness, and treatment practices, and was analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: A majority (87.2%) reported experiencing headaches, typically 1–3 times per month and lasting a few hours. Pain was commonly throbbing, moderate-to-severe, and localized to frontal/temporal regions. Associated symptoms included nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia, while aura was less common. Common triggers included stress, sleep deprivation, prolonged screen exposure, and irregular meals. Despite migraine like features, only a small proportion had a formal diagnosis or sought medical care. Most relied on self-management strategies.

Conclusion: Migraine remains underdiagnosed with poor awareness and suboptimal healthcare utilization. Increasing awareness and encouraging early medical consultation are essential to reduce disease burden.