Brazilian Journal of Pain
https://brjp.org.br/article/doi/10.63231/2595-0118.202672-en
Brazilian Journal of Pain
Original Article

Unveiling the prevalence of migraine and its risk factors among medical students in the interior of Goiás, Brazil

Desvendando a prevalência de migrânea e seus fatores de risco entre estudantes de medicina no interior de Goiás, Brasil

Renato Canevari Dutra da Silva; Queiroz-Fernandes; Lara Cândida de Sousa Machado; Natália Nunes Bueno; Paulo Marcelo de Andrade Lima; Elton Brás Camargo Júnior

http://dx.doi.org/10.63231/2595-0118.202672-en BrJP, vol.9, e202672, 2026
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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Migraine is an important public health issue due to its high prevalence and negative impact on quality of life, especially among young adults and university students exposed to high levels of stress and sleep deprivation. In this context, it is important to research its occurrence and associated factors in specific populations, such as medical students. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of migraine and identify associated factors among medical students. The study was conducted at a university in the inland region of the state of Goiás, Brazil, and involved 320 students aged 18 to 30 years, selected by systematic random sampling.

METHODS: The prevalence of migraine was assessed using the ID-Migraine questionnaire, and the impact of the condition was measured using the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6). Additionally, physical activity was evaluated according to WHO recommendations, and variables such as gender, academic period, associated diseases, and musculoskeletal pain complaints were collected. Statistical analysis included bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify associated factors.

RESULTS: The prevalence of migraine was 25.9%. Factors such as being in the earlier periods of the course (OR=2.61; 95% CI: 1.16–5.89; p=0.022), presence of associated diseases (OR=11.86; 95% CI: 3.61–38.93; p<0.001), complaints of musculoskeletal pain (OR = 5.01; 95% CI: 1.72–14.60; p=0.003), and lack of regular physical activity (OR=2.29; 95% CI: 0.99–5.24; p=0.050) were associated with migraine. Perception of having migraine (OR=9.92; 95% CI: 4.03–24.37; p<0.001) and the impact of pain on daily activities (OR=8.62; 95% CI: 3.43–21.64; p<0.001) were also determined as important.

CONCLUSION: Regular physical activity was associated with lower occurrence of migraine, while comorbidities and musculoskeletal pain were associated with higher occurrence. This study highlights the high prevalence of migraine among medical students and the importance of early identification of associated factors for appropriate management.

Supplementary material

Keywords

Activities of daily living; Headache disorder; Migraine disorders; Physical exercise; Student medical

Resumo

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A migrânea constitui um importante problema de saúde pública, devido à sua alta prevalência e impacto negativo na qualidade de vida, especialmente entre adultos jovens e estudantes universitários expostos a elevados níveis de estresse e privação de sono. Nesse contexto, torna-se relevante investigar sua ocorrência e fatores associados em populações específicas, como acadêmicos de medicina. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de migrânea e identificar fatores associados entre acadêmicos de medicina. Conduzido em uma universidade do interior de Goiás, Brasil, o estudo envolveu 320 alunos, com idades entre 18 e 30 anos, selecionados por amostragem aleatória sistemática.

MÉTODOS: A prevalência de migrânea foi avaliada por meio do questionário ID-Migraine, e o impacto da condição foi mensurado utilizando o Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6). Além disso, considerou-se a prática de atividade física conforme as recomendações da OMS, e variáveis como sexo, período acadêmico, doenças associadas e queixas de dores musculoesqueléticas foram coletadas. A análise estatística incluiu regressão logística bivariada e multivariada para identificar fatores associados.

RESULTADOS: A prevalência de migrânea foi de 25,9%. Fatores como estar nos primeiros períodos do curso (OR=2,61; IC 95%: 1,16-5,89; p=0,022), presença de doenças associadas (OR=11,86; IC 95%: 3,61-38,93; p<0,001), queixa de dores musculoesqueléticas (OR=5,01; IC 95%: 1,72-14,60; p=0,003) e ausência de atividade física regular (OR=2,29; IC 95%: 0,99-5,24; p=0,050) foram fatores de risco significativos para migrânea. A percepção de ter migrânea (OR=9,92; IC 95%: 4,03-24,37; p<0,001) e o impacto das dores nas atividades diárias (OR=8,62; IC 95%: 3,43-21,64; p<0,001) também foram determinantes importantes.

CONCLUSÃO: A atividade física regular foi um fator protetor, enquanto as comorbidades e dores musculoesqueléticas aumentaram o risco. Este estudo destacou alta prevalência de migrânea entre acadêmicos de medicina e a importância da identificação precoce dos fatores associados para um manejo eficaz.

Material suplementar

Palavras-chave

Atividades cotidianas; Cefaleia; Estudantes de Medicina; Exercício físico; Transtornos de enxaqueca

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Submitted date:
05/10/2025

Accepted date:
03/23/2026

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