OBJECTIVES: Migraine is recognized as one of the leading causes of disability globally and imposes a substantial personal, economic, and societal burden. Despite high prevalence, there is limited data on the burden and impact of migraine in the Philippines. This research aims to evaluate the burden and impact of migraine on work productivity and daily activities in the workplace.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey of employed population using a self-administered questionnaire from corporate companies across various industries. The primary endpoint is the work productivity loss and activity impairment as measured by the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS). Secondary endpoints include Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) using SF-36, healthcare resource utilization, and costs attributable to absenteeism and presenteeism. Descriptive statistics will be reported on the primary and secondary endpoints. Multivariate logistic regression analysis will be done with the primary endpoint transformed into a binary variable.

RESULTS: Of those who attempted to submit response (n=727), 51.5% reported to have migraine. Interim data (n=375) shows that:

• Median age is 29. Participants are 66.8% females, 54.8% rank and file employees, 78.8% completed tertiary education and above.

• MIDAS Scores:
  • Median score=14 days, which is the number of work and personal days lost to migraine over a 90-day period.
  • 55.4% experienced moderate to severe disability in the past 3 months.
• Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL)
  • Out of the 8 domain assessed, migraineurs scored lowest in the domain of Energy/Fatigue & Role Limitations due to Physical Health.
• Healthcare Utilization:
  • 77.5% have taken over-the counter medication. Only 2.5% have taken preventative therapy.
  • In the last 12 months, 27.5% have visited an emergency department at least once and 14.8% have been hospitalized at least once.

CONCLUSIONS: Migraine poses serious risks to employee productivity and quality of life. Employers have a role to play in addressing migraine in the workplace.