Migraine Prevalence in Moroccan University Students
- A recent multinational study published in BMC Public Health reveals alarmingly high rates of migraine among university students across 11 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries.
- The findings indicate that over a quarter of students across the region experience migraine symptoms, highlighting a notable, yet often overlooked, public health issue.
- The following table details the migraine prevalence rates observed in each country included in the study:
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Migraine Prevalence among University Students in the Middle East and North Africa: A New Study
What Happened?
A recent multinational study published in BMC Public Health reveals alarmingly high rates of migraine among university students across 11 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries. the study, conducted between August and December 2024, surveyed nearly 6,000 students using standardized Arabic questionnaires to assess migraine frequency, disability, and associated mental health concerns.
The findings indicate that over a quarter of students across the region experience migraine symptoms, highlighting a notable, yet often overlooked, public health issue. Prevalence varied considerably by country,with Iraq reporting the highest rate (38.9%) and Morocco the lowest (18.4%).
Key Findings: Country-Specific Prevalence
The following table details the migraine prevalence rates observed in each country included in the study:
| Country | migraine Prevalence (%) |
|---|---|
| Iraq | 38.9 |
| Libya | 34.8 |
| Algeria | 31.5 |
| Jordan | 29.2 |
| Saudi Arabia | 28.1 |
| United Arab Emirates | 27.5 |
| Tunisia | 26.3 |
| Egypt | 19.9 |
| Morocco | 18.4 |
| Lebanon | 25.7 |
| Kuwait | 23.6 |
What Does This Mean?
The high prevalence of migraine among university students in the MENA region suggests a ample burden of disease impacting academic performance, quality of life, and potentially future workforce participation. The study underscores the need for increased awareness, improved access to diagnosis and treatment, and targeted preventative strategies.
The variations in prevalence across countries likely reflect a complex interplay of factors,including access to healthcare,socioeconomic conditions,levels of stress (including conflict-related stress),and lifestyle habits. Morocco’s comparatively lower rate may be attributed to better access to health services or a less stressful surroundings compared to some other nations in the study.
Who is Affected?
This study primarily affects university students in the MENA region. However, the implications extend to:
- Students: Migraine substantially impacts academic performance, concentration, and overall well-being.
- Families: The burden of care and potential financial strain associated with migraine can affect families.
- Healthcare Systems: Increased demand for migraine diagnosis and treatment places a strain on healthcare resources.
- Educational Institutions: Universities need to be aware of the prevalence of migraine and provide support services for affected students.
Notably, the study found that female students were more than twice as likely as their male counterparts to experience migraine. Additionally, students aged 24-30 were more vulnerable than those under 20, and students outside of medical fields showed higher prevalence rates.
Timeline & methodology
The study was conducted over a four-month period, from August to December 2024.Researchers administered structured questionnaires, translated into Arabic, to a sample of nearly 6,000 university students across 11 countries. The questionnaires utilized internationally recognized migraine screening tools.
The study was published in BMC Public Health in february 2025.