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

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Health Psychology, School of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

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 factorsin 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. Thisfinding isfundamental for further investigations and administration of
preventive and therapeutic interventions for patients with migraine. 

Keywords

Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 1
November and December 2012
Pages 73-86

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