Authors: Abeer Ghawnni , Fahad Almohaizey , Maha Abowadaan

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess migraine prevalence and shift work-related factors among emergency residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 376 emergency residents. A validated questionnaire and Migraine Disability Assessment Test (MIDAS) were used to collect the data from the emergency residents.
Results: Out of 376 emergency medicine residents surveyed across Riyadh hospitals, 34.3% were diagnosed with migraines, and 44.1% reported a family history. Frequent headache episodes (3-6/month) were experienced by 43.4% of participants, with 34.0% reporting headaches lasting from 5 to 10 minutes. Throbbing or pulsating headaches (56.4%) and one-sided headache locations (50.5%) were the predominant clinical features. Photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, and vomiting were reported by 43.4%, 47.3%, 46.0%, and 38.0%,
respectively. Common triggers included sleep disturbances (53.5%), strong smells (33.8%), and lights (33.8%). The median MIDAS score was 7 (IQR: 8), with only 17.3% experiencing severe migraine-related disability. Disability was significantly higher among females, those ≥35 years old, non-Saudi residents, those divorced/widowed, and residents with ≥3 years of experience.
Conclusion: Over one-third of emergency medicine residents suffered from migraines, with a considerable proportion experiencing moderate to severe disability. Headache frequency, associated symptoms, and insufficient medical evaluation highlighted the need for targeted awareness, early diagnosis, and intervention strategies to reduce disability and improve residents’ well-being and productivity.

Keywords: Migraine, shift work, MIDAS, migraine disability, residents, Saudi Arabia.