Identifying Risk Factors for Chronic Migraine in Rural Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Study
Martin Guevara1, Ricardo Moran1, Paulette Chávez1, Bryan Cedeño1, Ronald Hernández1, Pamela Moran1, Meylin Alava1, Allyson Morales1
1Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil
Objective:
To identify potential risk factors associated with the development of chronic migraine among patients in rural Ecuador.
Background:
Chronic migraine significantly diminishes productivity and overall well-being globally. In rural Ecuador, factors such as nutrition, lifestyle habits, and occupational conditions may predispose individuals to chronic neurological disorders like migraines. It is essential for healthcare professionals to recognize these risk factors to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications in low-income populations.
Design/Methods:
This study employs a descriptive, prospective, and cross-sectional design. Data were collected from various health centers in coastal Ecuador using questionnaires, specifically the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6). Data analysis utilized Pearson correlation and Chi-square methods to evaluate relationships among variables.
Results:
Two hundred patients were evaluated, aged 20-60, with 60% females and 40% males. The analysis revealed that poor nutrition and unhealthy lifestyle habits were associated with a 60% higher prevalence of chronic migraines. Chi-square tests confirmed significant associations between these risk factors and chronic migraine occurrence (p < 0.01). Additionally, occupational conditions contributed to 45% of patients reporting migraine-related disabilities. Strong correlations were observed, with Pearson coefficients of r = 0.65 for nutrition and r = 0.57 for lifestyle habits.
Conclusions:
Lifestyle choices, dietary habits, occupational factors, and cultural traditions significantly influence the development of chronic migraine in marginalized coastal communities of Ecuador. These findings underscore the urgent need for healthcare professionals to identify these risk factors and implement early assessment strategies. Such initiatives can mitigate the adverse effects of chronic migraine, improving health outcomes and quality of life in vulnerable populations. Further research is crucial to strengthen correlations between these risk factors and overall health.
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