The prevalence of migraine in Argentina: A reappraisal

Abstract

Abstract Background: Argentina has one of the largest territories in the world, which spreads over a lengthy latitudinal span. Its population is mainly composed of a mixture of South American natives and the descendants of numerous waves of European immigrants. Results from a previous study suggested that the prevalence of migraine in Argentina is the lowest in the region. Here we aimed to reassess the prevalence of migraine in Argentina applying a more sensitive and specific screening tool.

Methods: We conducted a random computer assisted telephonic interview (n= 2500) using the Migraine Screen Questionnaire to evaluate the prevalence of migraine and some of its features among Argentinian adults.

Results: The overall prevalence of migraine was 9.5% (14% in females and 5% in males). Estimated migraine prevalence rates ranged between 6.3% and 12% across different regions. The approximated prevalence of high frequency and chronic migraine were 1.9% and 1.5% of the total population respectively. Consumption of analgesics on 10 or more days per month was reported by 18% of migraine sufferers (≈1.7% of the population).

Conclusions: The prevalence of migraine in Argentina is higher than previously reported. Prevalence rates vary extensively across the territory. Specifically evaluating the determinants of these variations might be a promising avenue of research.

Keywords: Headache; chronic migraine; developing countries; epidemiology; medication overuse headache.