Prevalence and Determinants of Migraine Among College Students in Ernakulam, Kerala, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Migraine is a common and disabling neurological disorder among young adults that can impair academic performance, social functioning, and the quality of life. Commonly reported triggers include psychological stress, inadequate sleep, and prolonged screen exposure; however, migraine is frequently underrecognized or misclassified as a nonspecific headache. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of probable migraine and examine its association with selected sociodemographic and lifestyle factors among college students in Ernakulam district, Kerala, India. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 491 college students over a two-week period. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire that included the ID-Migraine screening tool to identify probable migraine. Statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software (retrieved from https://www.jamovi.org). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors independently associated with probable migraine, with results expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results The prevalence of probable migraine was 37.5% (n = 184; 95% CI: 33.2-41.8). The prevalence was higher among women (n = 119, 46.5%) compared to men (n = 65, 27.7%). On multivariable analysis, higher perceived stress, female gender, inadequate sleep (6 hours/day) were independently associated with probable migraine. No statistically significant associations were observed with age, the course of study, accommodation type, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, or substance use. Conclusion Probable migraine was highly prevalent among college students in Ernakulam district and was significantly associated with perceived stress, sleep deprivation, female gender, and prolonged screen exposure. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating migraine screening, stress management strategies, the promotion of healthy sleep practices, and guidance on healthy screen use within student health services to improve well-being in this population.