In a population of obese adults in the United States, migraineurs showed greater total health care utilization and expenses than non-migraineurs, a recent study found. Therefore, treatment plans that address risk factors associated with migraine and comorbidities may help reduce the utilization of health care services and costs. This 7-year retrospective study used longitudinal panel data from 2006 to 2013 from the Household Component of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to identify obese adults reporting migraines. Outcomes compared in migraineurs versus non-migraineurs were as follows: annualized per-person medical care, prescription drug, and total health expenses. Researchers found:
- In 23,596 obese adults, 4.7% reported migraine (n=1025) approximating 3 million civilian non-institutionalized individuals in the United States.
- Logistic regression showed that the following sociodemographic characteristics increased migraine risk: age (18–45 years), females, white race, poor perceived health status, and greater Charlson comorbidity index.
- Migraineurs showed $1401, $813, and $2213 greater annual medical, prescription drug, and total health expenses than non-migraineurs, respectively.
- After adjustment, total health expenses increased by 31.6% in migraineurs versus non-migraineurs.
Wu J, Davis-Ajami ML, Lu ZK. Impact of migraine on health care utilization and expenses in obese adults: A US population-based study. [Published online ahead of print December 31, 2018]. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res . doi:10.2147/CEOR.S189699.