Predictive Role of Psychological, Socioeconomic, and Lifestyle-Related Factors in the Incidence of Migraine Headaches

Background and Aims: Identifying risk factors for incidence of migraine headaches through an integrated model of psychosocial factors is important. This research aimed to investigate the predictive role of psychological, socioeconomic and lifestyle-related factors in migraine headaches. Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive study, 71 patients with migraine headaches who referred to Imam Hossein Hospital (Tehran, Iran) and 162 healthy staff members of the same hospital were selected by convenience sampling. Data was collected by a questionnaire including demographics and disease characteristics and the short form of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The collected data was analyzed using chi-square test, t-test and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: There were significant differences between patients with migraine and healthy individuals in anxiety [odds ratio (OR) = 4.775; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.371-12.895], depression (OR = 5.668; 95% CI: 1.449-14.811), stress (OR = 5.896; 95% CI: 1.339-12.924), low socioeconomic status (OR = 6.230; 95% CI: 2.466-13.487), body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2 (OR = 5.051; 95% CI: 2.454-14.660), physical activity of less than two hours a week (OR = 5.290; 95% CI: 1.432-11.572), smoking (OR = 4.253; 95% CI: 2.493-15.171), and history of negative life events (OR = 6.899; 95% CI: 1.626-13.755). Conclusion: Psychological risk factors, inappropriate socioeconomic status, and unhealthy lifestyle could predict the incidence of migraine. This finding is fundamental for further investigations and administration of preventive and therapeutic interventions for patients with migraine. Keywords: Migraine, Risk factors, Psychological, Socioeconomic, Negative event