Prevalence of migraine in india: a meta-analysis with subgroup analyses by population type
1
Pharmacy Practice, Dr. DYP DPU School of Pharmacy, Pimpri, Pune, India
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
migraine is a common and disabling neurological disorder that contributes substantially to reduced quality of life and productivity. In india, population-based estimates of migraine prevalence vary widely due to differences in study design, diagnostic criteria, and population characteristics. A pooled estimate is essential to better understand the national burden and to inform public health planning. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of migraine in india and to compare prevalence between populations.
METHODS:
a systematic literature search was conducted in pubmed and google scholar to identify cross-sectional studies reporting migraine prevalence in indian populations. Fifteen eligible studies were included. A random-effects meta-analysis using the dersimonian and laird method was performed to account for between-study variability. Subgroup analyses were conducted for general and student populations. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using I2 and τ2 statistics. Publication bias was evaluated using egger’s regression test.
RESULTS:
the pooled prevalence of migraine across all included studies was 18.19% (95%CI: 17.62%to18.77%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2=98.6%, p <0.0001; τ2=101.96). In the general population subgroup (13 studies), the pooled prevalence was 20.18% (95%CI: 19.5% to20.85%), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.8%;τ2=69.12). No evidence of publication bias was observed (egger’s test: t=0.47, p=0.652). In the student population subgroup (6 studies), the pooled prevalence was 12.57% (95%CI: 11.44% to13.70%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2=97.9%;τ2=177.78). Evidence of publication bias was detected (egger’s test: t = 3.35, p = 0.028). Reported prevalence across studies ranged from 3.13% to 41.43%.
CONCLUSIONS:
migraine represents a significant public health concern in india, with a higher prevalence observed in the general population compared to students. The wide variability across studies underscores the influence of regional, methodological, and diagnostic differences. These findings highlight the need for standardized diagnostic approaches, improved surveillance, and targeted public health strategies to reduce the burden of migraine across diverse indian populations.
migraine is a common and disabling neurological disorder that contributes substantially to reduced quality of life and productivity. In india, population-based estimates of migraine prevalence vary widely due to differences in study design, diagnostic criteria, and population characteristics. A pooled estimate is essential to better understand the national burden and to inform public health planning. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of migraine in india and to compare prevalence between populations.
METHODS:
a systematic literature search was conducted in pubmed and google scholar to identify cross-sectional studies reporting migraine prevalence in indian populations. Fifteen eligible studies were included. A random-effects meta-analysis using the dersimonian and laird method was performed to account for between-study variability. Subgroup analyses were conducted for general and student populations. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using I2 and τ2 statistics. Publication bias was evaluated using egger’s regression test.
RESULTS:
the pooled prevalence of migraine across all included studies was 18.19% (95%CI: 17.62%to18.77%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2=98.6%, p <0.0001; τ2=101.96). In the general population subgroup (13 studies), the pooled prevalence was 20.18% (95%CI: 19.5% to20.85%), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.8%;τ2=69.12). No evidence of publication bias was observed (egger’s test: t=0.47, p=0.652). In the student population subgroup (6 studies), the pooled prevalence was 12.57% (95%CI: 11.44% to13.70%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2=97.9%;τ2=177.78). Evidence of publication bias was detected (egger’s test: t = 3.35, p = 0.028). Reported prevalence across studies ranged from 3.13% to 41.43%.
CONCLUSIONS:
migraine represents a significant public health concern in india, with a higher prevalence observed in the general population compared to students. The wide variability across studies underscores the influence of regional, methodological, and diagnostic differences. These findings highlight the need for standardized diagnostic approaches, improved surveillance, and targeted public health strategies to reduce the burden of migraine across diverse indian populations.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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