Prevalence and factors associated with primary headache disorders among Emirati population in Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of primary headache disorders (HDs) among Emiratis aged 18-65 years in Dubai. The secondary objective was to assess the association of primary HDs and MIDAS scores with various demographic and clinical factors. BACKGROUND: Primary HDs pose a significant public health challenge, necessitating precise diagnostic and management strategies. Limited data on prevalence of primary HDs among Emirati population living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, underscore the need for investigation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study utilizing telephonic interviews included Emirati individuals aged 18-65 years for 6 months from November 1, 2022, to May 30, 2023. The Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap, and Impaired Participation questionnaire was used for collecting data. The prevalence of different types of primary HDs including frequent episodic tension-type headache (TTH), episodic migraine headache, chronic migraine, and infrequent episodic TTH was determined. Disability caused by primary HDs was determined using the MIDAS scores. RESULTS: Of the 2681 eligible participants, the study included 2000 participants (39.3 ± 11 years; female: 52.7%). Primary HDs were prevalent among 39.1% (n = 781), particularly in the age group of 31-40 years (35.9%). About 41.2% (n = 322) of participants reported frequent episodic TTH, whereas 34.8% (n = 272) reported episodic migraine. About 51.9% of the participants reported grade I (little/no disability) MIDAS level. Independent factors associated with primary HDs based on multivariable analysis were female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-1.91), marital status (aOR 3.94; 95% CI 1.81-8.62), educational attainment (aOR 2.79; 95% CI 1.54-5.06), and employment status (aOR 1.69; 95% CI 1.14-2.51). Disability, as measured by MIDAS, was significantly associated with age and the type of medical consultation sought (p = 0.025 and p < 0.001, respectively). The type of primary HDs was significantly associated with age (p = 0.022), marital status (p = 0.042), type of headache management (p < 0.001), and medication used (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: One-year prevalence of primary HDs was 39.1% in adult Emiratis residing in Dubai. Individuals who were females, divorced/separated, widow/widower, held a high academic degree, or who were self-employed were more likely to develop primary HDs, whereas age did not appear to influence primary HDs. Further, age and type of consultation were significantly associated with disability caused by primary HDs.