Prevalence, Clinical Features, and Functional Impact of Migraine Among Medical Students in Niamey

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical features, frequency, severity, duration, and functional impact of migraine among medical students at Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 334 medical students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire inspired by the ID-Migraine tool, focusing on headache characteristics and their impact. A gender-based comparative analysis was also performed. Results: Out of the 334 students who participated, 141 met the IHS diagnostic criteria for migraine, corresponding to a prevalence of 42.2% (95% Confidence Interval: 36.9% to 47.5%). The most common symptoms included phonophobia (97.2%), pulsatile headache (89.4%), and photophobia (73%). The average attack frequency was 13.6 days over 3 months, with a mean pain intensity of 6.3/10. Among treated students, 83.7% reported episodes lasting less than 4 hours. The functional impact was significant, with an average of 3.8 days of complete activity interruption and 4.2 days of reduced social engagement. Women reported a higher frequency of attacks (14.5 days) compared to men (11.9 days). Conclusion: This study highlights a high prevalence of migraine among medical students in Niamey, along with a considerable functional burden. These findings call for targeted interventions and support strategies to mitigate academic and social consequences in this vulnerable population.