Prevalence of migraine and analgesic medication use in the adult Spanish population. Gender perspective and associated factors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60103/phc.v27.e894Keywords:
Migraine; analgesics; pain medication; health survey; epidemiologic study; sexAbstract
Introduction: This study analyzes the prevalence of migraine and the associated use of analgesics in the Spanish adult population, considering differences by sex and sociodemographic factors. In addition, comorbidities, the consumption of other drugs and the use of health resources are studied in order to understand the profile of the migraine patient.
Method: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out using the 2020 European Health Survey in Spain (EESE), which included 22,072 individuals. Migraine and analgesic consumption were analyzed as dependent variables, while age, sex, marital status, educational level and economic income as independent variables.
Results: The prevalence of migraine in Spain was 7.8%, with a higher proportion in women (11.2% vs. 4% in men). Higher rates were observed in uneducated, low-income and unemployed persons. Of the patients with migraine, 79.5% consumed analgesic drugs, of which 12.5% were over-the-counter. In addition, a high percentage consumed other drugs such as tranquilizers or antidepressants.
Conclusions: The study confirms a higher prevalence of migraine among women and its association with sociodemographic factors and comorbidities. It highlights the frequent use of analgesics, often without medical supervision, which could contribute to the chronification of the pathology.
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