Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of migraine management among primary health care physicians in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah

Abstract

Migraine is a burdensome primary headache disorder with a global prevalence ranging from 15-18%. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge among primary healthcare physicians regarding migraine and evaluate whether their management practices align with current advances. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 212 primary healthcare physicians working in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a self-administered, validated questionnaire distributed at clinics, with participant consent, to ensure privacy. A total of 212 responses were collected, the majority were from men (53.8%) and participants less than 30 years old (43.9%). Most participants held a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) qualification (general practitioners), accounting for 56.1% of the sample. The results revealed that 83.5% had a high level of knowledge about the diagnostic criteria for migraine. Factors associated with a higher level of knowledge were female gender and age group less than 30 years. However, most participants (62.3%) were not familiar with the new acute and preventive migraine treatments. The findings of this study indicate good knowledge, attitude, and practicing habits among our participants. However, there were clear deficiencies in understanding the latest advancements in migraine treatment. We recommend implementing continuous education programs regarding the advances in migraine treatment among primary care physicians in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah.

Keywords: Migraine; Saudi Arabia; headache disorders; physicians; primary care.

Figure 1

Participants' level of knowledge (based on the recognition of ICHD-3 features)