Migraine: Another Health Disparity in Canada

Objective: This study determines the prevalence of migraine headache and associated factors for self-reported migraine headache in a Canadian population aged 12 years and older using the Population Health Approach (PHA) as a framework. Background: Previous Canadian studies measuring the prevalence of headache have been mainly focused on biological associated factors Design/Methods: Using data from the 215–2016 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), prevalence of migraine headache was determined through self-reported, health professional diagnosis. Individual, demographic, contextual factors and health outcomes were obtained. A weighted logistic regression analysis was performed considering clustering effects by using appropriate technics. Results: The overall estimate prevalence of self-reported migraine headache in Canadians older than 12 years old in 2015/2016 was with prevalence in females (14.6%), and individuals aged 40–49 years (14.4%.). Logistic regression analysis disclosed the following odds ratios for factors associated with self-reported migraine headache: female sex (OR:1.6, 95%CI:1.122.26), self-identified Aboriginal status (OR:1.22, 95%CI:1.05,1.41), low income HH (OR:1.16, 95%CI:1.01, 1.32) and individuals with stroke (OR:1.47, 95%CI: 1.1,1.9), mood disorder (OR:1.55, 95%CI:1.39, 1.74), and anxiety disorder (OR:3.4, 95%CI: 2.37,4.79). Individuals who self-reported migraine headache also disclosed significantly more poor health (OR:3.06,95%CI:2.90,4.70), and were more likely to have had more than ten visits to the emergency room in the last 12 months (OR:3.50, 95%CI:2.34,5.22). Important interaction between predictors of migraine headache included: sex and age( higher prevalence in females aged 40–49 years); sex and anxiety ( higher prevalence in females with anxiety disorders); mood disorder and use of the emergency room (higher rates in individuals with mood disorder high use of emergency room services); and anxiety disorder and perceived health (higher rates in individuals with anxiety disorder and higher perception of poor health). Conclusions: We found significant demographic, contextual and individual characteristics associated with individuals who self-report migraine headache in Canada that recognized migraine as a health disparity. Disclosure: Dr. Hernandez Ronquillo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thorpe has nothing to disclose. Dr. Janzen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tellez Zenteno has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with UCB. Dr. Tellez Zenteno has received research support from UCB. Dr. Pahwa has nothing to disclose.