Migraine Frequency and Duration Among Medical Students Before Matriculation Versus After Matriculation: A Cross-Sectional Survey Design

Abstract

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and duration of migraine among medical students following matriculation into medical school compared to frequency and duration prior to matriculation. This study also evaluated the relationship of post-matriculation frequency and duration of migraine with potential triggers including perceived stress, average hours of sleep per night, and daily water consumption. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional survey design and included 78 participants enrolled at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) in Dothan, Alabama for the 2022-2023 academic year. Data was collected from participants’ self-reporting answers to each survey item and analyzed using two factor ANOVA, paired two sample t-test, and Chi-square test of independence. Results: Participants demonstrated increased duration of migraine (p value = .03), increased water consumption (p value = .008), and increased perceived stress post-matriculation (p value < .001). Increased migraine duration post-matriculation was not found to be associated with the increase in perceived stress. Migraine frequency did not increase post-matriculation. However, participants who reported less hours of sleep were more likely to have increased frequency of migraine post-matriculation (p = .007). Female participants were more likely to have increased frequency (p = .002) and duration (p = .003) of migraine post-matriculation. Participants with family history of migraine were also more likely to have increased frequency (p = .046) and duration (p = .001) of migraine post-matriculation. Conclusions: This study revealed greater duration of migraine among medical students following matriculation into medical school compared to duration of migraine pre-matriculation.