Severe headache and migraine remain important public health problems that are more common and burdensome for women, particularly women of childbearing age, and other historically disadvantaged segments of the population, according to a recent study. Researchers searched for the most current publicly available summary statistics from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), and the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS). They found:
- The prevalence and burden of self-reported migraine and severe headache in the US adult population is high, affecting roughly 1 out of every 6 Americans and 1 in 5 women over a 3-month period (15.3% overall, 9.7% of males, and 20.7% of females).
- The prevalence of migraine or severe headache in 2015 was highest in American Indians or Alaska Natives (18.4%) compared with whites, blacks, or Hispanics, with the lowest prevalence in Asians (11.3%).
- There is a higher burden of migraine in those aged 18-44 (17.9%), people who are unemployed (21.4%), those with family income less than $35,000 per year (19.9%), and the elderly and disabled (16.4%).
The prevalence and impact of migraine and severe headache in the United States: Figures and trends from government health studies. [Published online ahead of print March 12, 2018]. Headache. doi:10.1111/head.13281.