A cross-sectional study on the burden and impact of migraine on work productivity and quality of life in selected workplaces in the Philippines

Abstract

Background Migraine imposes a substantial personal and economic burden to many working age individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the burden and impact of migraine on work productivity in selected workplaces in the Philippines. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among employees suspected or diagnosed with migraine February to May 2020. Volunteer employees were screened for migraine using the ID-Migraine™ test. Eligible employees were tested for migraine severity and impact on work productivity using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire. Quality of life was measured using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire and additional questions on triggers, coping mechanisms, workplace assistance, and health care utilization were asked. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of migraine disability (high – MIDAS Grade III/IV vs. low – MIDAS Grade I/II). Differences in quality of life scores by migraine disability were measured using multiple linear regression. Productivity costs lost to migraine disability were calculated as the number of days lost to migraine multiplied by the self-reported wage rate, and costs according to migraine severity were measured using a two-part generalized linear model. Results From around 24,000 employees who were invited to participate in the survey, 954 respondents provided consent and attempted to respond to the survey resulting to a response rate of around 4.1%. A total of 511 positive migraine screens were included in the final sample. Females comprised two-thirds of all positive migraine screens and were more likely to have high migraine disability (odds ratio: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.03–2.49) than males. Those with high migraine disability scored lower on role limitations compared to those with low migraine disability. Stress and looking at computer screens were cited as the top trigger for migraine, while sleeping enough hours and getting a massage were cited as top coping mechanisms. Three in four (77%) visited their company clinic within the past 3 months, which meant that most doctors seen for migraine-related symptoms were general practitioners. Five in six (85%) took medication for migraine, almost all of which were over-the-counter medications. Mean annual productivity costs lost due to migraine disability were PHP27 794 (USD556) per person. Conclusion Migraine poses a significant threat to work productivity in the Philippines. Many opportunities, such as disease management and introduction of alternative options for migraine treatment, may be introduced to help address these issues.

The impact of migraine and probable migraine on productivity loss in Korea: A cross-sectional online survey

“…Although several studies have assessed productivity loss costs, it is difficult to compare studies due to differences in study methods, survey instruments, and wage rates. Despite these variations, several studies have shown that presenteeism is the most influential driver of overall productivity loss costs [ 23 , 24 , 28 , 29 ]. Martelletti et al reported that 74% of the overall productivity loss costs were attributed to presenteeism [ 23 ].…”

“…Martelletti et al reported that 74% of the overall productivity loss costs were attributed to presenteeism [ 23 ]. In Asian countries, productivity loss costs due to presenteeism accounted for more than 80%, 78% and 63% of the overall productivity loss costs in Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines, respectively [ 24 , 28 , 29 ]. Similarly, in the current study, over 80% of overall productivity loss costs were due to presenteeism.…”

Quality of Life and Disability Among Migraine Patients: A Single-Center Study in AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia

“…The incidence and severity of migraine attacks may increase over time to chronic migraine, as attacks tend to occur for at least 15 days in a month [ 18 ]. The persistent attacks may be a leading cause of considerable functional impairments [ 10 ], including physical and psychological disabilities [ 7 ] and impact on academic [ 8 ], work-related [ 9 ], social, and quality of life [ 10 , 17 ]. Migraine-associated impairments were reported throughout or between the migraine attacks.…”

“…With frequent attacks, patients were found to be affected psychologically, socially, academically, and occupationally. The recurrent attacks cause functional impairments, which can involve both physical and psychological effects, which might happen during or after a migraine attack [7][8][9][10]. Comparing migraine sufferers and non-migraine sufferers, migraine sufferers have worse subjective well-being and lower quality of life [10].…”

Association between Migraine and Workplace Social Support in the Social Context of China: Using a Validated Chinese Version of the DCSQ

“…A cross-sectional survey was performed among employees in the banking sector in Guizhou province in China from May 2022 to September 2022. Bank employees appear to be at increased risk for migraine, with a prevalence rate as high as 47% [3,34], and established occupational risk factors such as sedentary desk work [35], forward head postures [36], repetitive tasks [35], air conditioning systems [37] and high-stress levels [38].…”