Significant Differences in Race/Ethnicity-Based Perceptions of and Experiences with Migraine in Those with High-Frequency Headache/Migraine and High Acute Medication Overuse

Research presented at the 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society found significant differences in perceptions of and experiences with migraine-related burden, treatment, and care among racial and ethnic groups in a study of those with high-frequency headache/migraine (HFM) and high acute medication overuse (AMO). Black patients reported more embarrassment and stigma related to their illness than White patients, whereas White patients were more likely to report using preventive and prescription acute medications than other groups, and Hispanic patients were more likely than White respondents to report seeking information about their condition from a healthcare provider (HCP).   

In this study, researchers analyzed data from the Harris Poll Migraine Report Card Survey which enlisted participants older than age 18 years who had screened positive for migraine using the ID Migraine questionnaire and who were currently living with high-frequency headache/migraine (HFM) and high acute medication use (AMO). HFM+AMO was defined as living with > 8 headache days/month and > 10 days/month of acute headache medication use within the last few months. The survey included questions about demographics as well as living with migraine, healthcare communication, and treatment. In all, 414 participants were included in the final analysis with the following breakdown by racial/ethnic subgroup: White (non-Hispanic White; n = 293); Black (non-Hispanic Black; n = 46), and Hispanic (n = 76).

Although demographic, socioeconomic characteristics, and clinical characteristics were similar among participants when analyzed by subgroups, researchers noted significant differences in other outcomes. White participants were 2 to 3 times more likely to use preventive treatment than Black and Hispanic respondents and were more likely than Hispanic respondents to use prescription acute medications. Black participants more often reported embarrassment related to their illness compared with White respondents and were 4 to 7 times more likely than White and Hispanic respondents to report wanting to reduce their anxiety/worry about their next headache. Hispanic respondents were more likely than White participants to report seeking information about their condition from HCPs.

The study authors included Amaal J. Starling, Roger Cady, Dawn C. Buse, Megan Buzby, Kevin Lenaburg, and Steven Kymes.