O-87 The Impact of Sleep Quality, Dietary Habits, and Stress Levels on Migraine Prevalence Among Medical Students

Methods: A sample of 283 third year medical students, aged ≥20 years, were surveyed using stratified random sampling. Migraine prevalence, socio demographic variables and associated levels of sleep, food habits, and stress were collected using the ID migraine test, Sleep Quality Scale, and Perceived stress scale via a self-administered e-questionnaire. Spearman correlation was utilized for the associated factors and levels of migraines.

Results: The study revealed a 59.4% prevalence of migraines, with the majority being females (61.1%), aged 20–25 years (44.9%), and of mixed ethnicity (44.9%). Fifty four point one (54.1%) percent reported a family history of migraines. Among migraine sufferers, 62.5% had severe migraines (mean score: 9.35 ± 1.997). Significant weak to moderate correlations were observed between migraine levels and frequency of Migraine Triggering Food (MTF) intake (r = 0.305) and sleep quality (r = 0.202), as well as between frequency of MTF intake and sleep quality (r = 0.313) and stress levels (r = 0.445). A moderate correlation was noted between stress levels and sleep quality (r = 0.355), while stress levels showed a weak, non-significant correlation with migraine levels (r = 0.136). Associations with age (χ²=8.865, p=0.031), ethnicity (χ²=21.024, p<0.001), and family history (χ²=17.333, p<0.001) were also observed.

Conclusion: The results suggest that migraine-triggering food intake and poor sleep quality are strong contributors to migraine occurrence and severity among university students. Stress, although correlated, had a weaker association with migraines. Given the significant impact of migraines on academic performance, interventions addressing diet and sleep patterns, along with stress management, are essential for improving student well-being.