Around 18.4% of Moroccan university students screened positive for migraine, according to a multinational study led by researchers from Tanta University in Egypt and conducted across 11 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The cross-sectional study, published this October, surveyed 5,954 students using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire to assess migraine frequency, disability, and related psychological factors such as anxiety and depression. The screening tools included the Migraine Screening Questionnaire (MS-Q), the Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS), and standardized scales for depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7). Across the region, 26.1% of students were found to have migraine symptoms. Iraq (38.9%) and Algeria (31.5%) recorded the highest rates, while Morocco (18.4%) and Egypt (19.9%) had the lowest. The most common triggers identified were sleep disturbances (59.7%), noise (47.4%), and sun exposure (45.6%). Among those affected, nearly one in four reported severe disability, and over 70% showed signs of severe depression. The study also found that regular sleep, hydration, and physical activity helped lower migraine risk, whereas daily caffeine consumption increased it. Researchers stress the need for awareness programs and early screening in Moroccan universities to address migraine-related mental health and academic challenges.
