Prevalence of Migraine in India: A Meta-Analysis With Subgroup Analyses by Population Type
Author(s)
Pranav R. Mhetre1, Tanvi Rajesh Mhetre, Pharm D2, Anjana Barola, PhD3.
1Student, Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pune, India, 2Pharmacy Practice, Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, India, 3Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, Pimpri, Pune, India.
1Student, Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pune, India, 2Pharmacy Practice, Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, India, 3Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, Pimpri, Pune, India.
OBJECTIVES: 1. To estimate the pooled prevalence of migraine in India through a meta-analysis of existing studies.2. To compare the prevalence of migraine between general and student populations as subgroups.
METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant cross-sectional studies reporting the prevalence of migraine in Indian populations. A total of 15 eligible studies were included in the analysis. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird method to account for between-study variability. Subgroup analyses were conducted to compare migraine prevalence between general and student populations. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² and τ² statistics, while the presence of publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s regression test.
RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of migraine across all 15 included studies was 18.19% (95% CI: 17.62%-18.77%), with significant heterogeneity observed (I² = 98.6%, p < 0.0001; τ² = 101.96)
CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis reveals that migraine is a widespread and pressing health issue in India, especially among the general population compared to students. The wide variation in prevalence across studies points to underlying differences in regions, diagnostic methods, and population characteristics. These results highlight the importance of developing targeted public health strategies, raising awareness, and promoting consistent diagnostic approaches to better understand, prevent, and manage migraine across India's diverse communities.
METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant cross-sectional studies reporting the prevalence of migraine in Indian populations. A total of 15 eligible studies were included in the analysis. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird method to account for between-study variability. Subgroup analyses were conducted to compare migraine prevalence between general and student populations. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² and τ² statistics, while the presence of publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s regression test.
RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of migraine across all 15 included studies was 18.19% (95% CI: 17.62%-18.77%), with significant heterogeneity observed (I² = 98.6%, p < 0.0001; τ² = 101.96)
- General population (13 studies): The pooled prevalence was 20.18% (95% CI: 19.51%-20.85%), with high heterogeneity (I² = 98.8%; τ² = 69.12). No evidence of publication bias was detected (Egger’s test: t = 0.47, p = 0.6520).
- Student population (6 studies): The pooled prevalence was 12.57% (95% CI: 11.44%-13.70%), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 97.9%; τ² = 177.78). Evidence of publication bias was noted (Egger’s test: t = 3.35, p = 0.028).
CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis reveals that migraine is a widespread and pressing health issue in India, especially among the general population compared to students. The wide variation in prevalence across studies points to underlying differences in regions, diagnostic methods, and population characteristics. These results highlight the importance of developing targeted public health strategies, raising awareness, and promoting consistent diagnostic approaches to better understand, prevent, and manage migraine across India's diverse communities.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH191
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Patient-Centered Research, Real World Data & Information Systems
Disease
Neurological Disorders, No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas