Prevalence of Migraine in India: A Meta-Analysis Based on Diagnostic Criteria and Gender Differences
1
Pharmacy Practice, DYP DPU School of Pharmacy, Pimpri, Pune, India
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2457
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
migraine is a prevalent and disabling neurological disorder that significantly impacts quality of life and productivity. however, reported prevalence estimates vary widely due to differences in study design, diagnostic criteria, and population characteristics. this meta-analysis synthesizes available epidemiological evidence to provide a pooled estimate of migraine prevalence and assess variability across studies based on the diagnostic criteria and the gender-based differences.
METHODS:
A systematic literature search was conducted using pubmed and google scholar to identify relevant studies reporting the prevalence of migraine in Indian populations. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the dersimonian and Laird method to account for variability among studies. subgroup analyses were conducted based on the diagnostic criteria employed and by gender (male vs. female). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and τ2 statistics, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s regression test.
RESULTS:
A total of 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a pooled migraine prevalence of 18.19% (95% CI: 17.62-18.77%). Subgroup analysis by diagnostic criteria: ICHD-2 (5 studies):16.58%(95% CI: 15.72-17.45%) ICHD-3 (4 studies):24.83%(95% CI: 23.79-25.86%) ID Migraine (3 studies):11.89%(95% CI: 10.20-13.58%) Not specified (3 studies): 13.22%(95% CI: 11.60-14.83%) Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies (I2 =98.6%, τ2 =101.96, p < 0.0001). The test for subgroup differences by diagnostic criteria was statistically significant (χ2 =261.47, df =3, p < 0.0001), indicating variation in prevalence based on diagnostic approach. Subgroup analysis by gender: Males (15 studies): 18.86% (95% CI: 11.24-26.49%, I2 =98.2%, τ2 =178.26) Females (15 studies): 26.91% (95% CI: 26.16-27.67%, I2 =99.2%, τ2 =362.21)
CONCLUSIONS:
The prevalence of migraine in India is influenced by the diagnostic criteria used and by gender. The highest prevalence was observed in studies using ICHD-3 criteria and among females. These findings emphasize the need for standardized diagnostic practices and targeted gender- specific migraine management strategies in India.
migraine is a prevalent and disabling neurological disorder that significantly impacts quality of life and productivity. however, reported prevalence estimates vary widely due to differences in study design, diagnostic criteria, and population characteristics. this meta-analysis synthesizes available epidemiological evidence to provide a pooled estimate of migraine prevalence and assess variability across studies based on the diagnostic criteria and the gender-based differences.
METHODS:
A systematic literature search was conducted using pubmed and google scholar to identify relevant studies reporting the prevalence of migraine in Indian populations. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the dersimonian and Laird method to account for variability among studies. subgroup analyses were conducted based on the diagnostic criteria employed and by gender (male vs. female). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and τ2 statistics, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s regression test.
RESULTS:
A total of 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a pooled migraine prevalence of 18.19% (95% CI: 17.62-18.77%). Subgroup analysis by diagnostic criteria: ICHD-2 (5 studies):16.58%(95% CI: 15.72-17.45%) ICHD-3 (4 studies):24.83%(95% CI: 23.79-25.86%) ID Migraine (3 studies):11.89%(95% CI: 10.20-13.58%) Not specified (3 studies): 13.22%(95% CI: 11.60-14.83%) Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies (I2 =98.6%, τ2 =101.96, p < 0.0001). The test for subgroup differences by diagnostic criteria was statistically significant (χ2 =261.47, df =3, p < 0.0001), indicating variation in prevalence based on diagnostic approach. Subgroup analysis by gender: Males (15 studies): 18.86% (95% CI: 11.24-26.49%, I2 =98.2%, τ2 =178.26) Females (15 studies): 26.91% (95% CI: 26.16-27.67%, I2 =99.2%, τ2 =362.21)
CONCLUSIONS:
The prevalence of migraine in India is influenced by the diagnostic criteria used and by gender. The highest prevalence was observed in studies using ICHD-3 criteria and among females. These findings emphasize the need for standardized diagnostic practices and targeted gender- specific migraine management strategies in India.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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