Work

Epidemiology and risk factors of migraine and TTH in Sudanese health sciences students

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Headache disorders, particularly migraine and tension-type headache (TTH), are common among university students and significantly affect academic performance and quality of life. However, data from Sudanese students remains few. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted between November 2023 and February 2024 among undergraduate medical, dental, and pharmacy students across Sudan. Using International Classification of Headache Disorders-III (ICHD-3) criteria, we assessed prevalence, risk factors, headache characteristics, triggers, and management. Of 1789 respondents, 746 students with recurrent headaches were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of recurrent headaches was 41.7% (41.7%, 746/1789), comprising migraine (23.8%, 426/1789) and TTH (17.9%, 320/1789). Photophobia associated with 63% of migraine cases, and 18% were associated with nausea/vomiting, while 64% of TTH had no associated symptoms. Age and academic level were significantly associated with migraine with aura, with most cases aged (19–23 years) (p = 0.019) and third-year academic level (p = 0.045). Stress (54%) and sleep deprivation (50%) were the most common triggers, with stress strongly associated with TTH (65%) and sleep deprivation with migraine with aura (67%). Most students relied on over-the-counter analgesics (91%), with limited prescription use (6.3%) and low medical consultation rates (21%). Headaches negatively impacted academic performance, with 19% reporting missed classes or exams, and 27% had impacted mental health by migraine with aura. CONCLUSION: Migraine and TTH are highly prevalent among Sudanese health sciences students, with stress and poor sleep as major modifiable triggers. The high burden of self-medication and low healthcare-seeking behaviors highlight a major care gap. We recommend campus health programs to raise awareness about these common disorders.

Source: The Journal of Headache and Pain

DOI: 10.1186/s10194-025-02257-z