Abstract:
Migraines are a debilitating neurological disorder that significantly affect university students, with factors such as irregular sleep patterns, medication usage, and lifestyle behaviors playing a key role in migraine severity. This study investigates the prevalence, triggers, and management strategies of migraines among university students in Bangladesh to address research gaps and provide actionable insights. Data were collected via an online survey using validated questionnaires, capturing demographic, behavioral, and migraine-specific variables. The analysis employed statistical tests, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and K-means clustering to uncover significant factors and distinct subgroups among participants. Findings revealed that irregular sleep patterns and medication usage, including self-medication practices, were strongly associated with migraine severity. Gender-specific differences were observed, highlighting the nuanced impact of migraines across populations. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address migraines' impact on younger students' well-being. A composite Migraine_Score was developed to quantify the multidimensional burden of migraines, offering a standardized approach for assessment. Clustering analysis identified subgroups with distinct trigger-response patterns, enabling a more tailored approach to intervention. These findings provide localized insights into migraines in university students, suggesting targeted strategies for improved migraine management and prevention. Despite limitations such as reliance on self-reported data and a cross-sectional design, this research establishes a foundation for future studies involving longitudinal designs, real- time monitoring, and predictive modeling, ultimately contributing to enhanced well-being and daily functioning for this population.
