Prevalence of Migraines and Contributing Factors Among University Students in Trinidad

Authors: Virginia Mary Victor, Khadijah Ramnath, Shantelle Best, Faria Esat, Naomi Lochan, Shania Ramsawak, Renelle Rennie, Leomelvine Vijayakumar, Esther Daniel, Pradeep Sahu

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijn.11491.1760502237

Keywords: Migraine Disorders, Students, Sleep Wake Disorders, Dietary Habits, Stress, Psychological, Cross-Sectional Studies

Abstract: Migraine, a disabling neurovascular condition, is often trivialized despite its widespread impact on personal and academic functioning. Influenced by genetics, diet, sleep, stress, and environmental triggers, it significantly impairs daily life and overall quality of health. University students represent a particularly vulnerable population due to academic strain, part-time employment, caregiving responsibilities, and irregular lifestyles—factors that heighten the risk of poor migraine management. Despite this, there is a lack of focused studies on student migraine burden within the Caribbean context, where sociocultural dynamics may further influence health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of migraines and examine associations with sleep quality, migraine-triggering food intake, and perceived stress levels among third-year university students in Trinidad and Tobago. Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used, employing stratified random sampling among 283 students, of whom 168 (59.4%) reported experiencing migraines. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire comprising four validated instruments: the ID Migraine™ Test, Migraine-Triggering Food Intake Checklist, Sleep Quality Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses, including Pearson’s correlation coefficients and chi-square tests, were conducted using SPSS version 29. Among migraine-positive participants, 62.5% reported experiencing severe symptoms. Significant positive correlations were found between migraine frequency and food intake (r = 0.305, p < 0.01), and between migraines and poor sleep quality (r = 0.202, p < 0.05). Moderate correlations were observed between stress and food intake (r = 0.445) and between stress and sleep (r = 0.355). Statistically significant associations were also identified with age (χ² = 8.865, p = 0.031), ethnicity (χ² = 21.024, p < 0.001), and family history of migraines (χ² = 17.333, p < 0.001). The high migraine burden among students highlights the urgent need for culturally appropriate, evidence-based interventions targeting sleep hygiene, dietary habits, and stress management, in aligns with SDG3.