Epidemiology of migraines in females, with an emphasis on dietary influence in Iraq

Migraine is a neurological condition that frequently results in a severe headache. The headache comes in episodes and is occasionally accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Migraines can be caused by a variety of conditions and can last anywhere from three to four hours to several days, with females experiencing them three times more frequently than men. Studies have found some evidence that lifestyle variables, such as nutrition, may play an important role in the emergence of migraines. The purpose of this research is to determine the epidemiology of migraine among females with an emphasis on the relationship between headaches and the dietary habits of females who are enduring migraine attacks in Iraq. This study included a three-section online survey that was sent to the females via different online platforms. 360 females participated from Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, with ages ranging from 18 to 35. The survey's main questions focused on the characteristics of female respondents, with questions based on the (IHS) criteria for migraine diagnosis. A few questions about aura symptoms were asked to those who met the migraine diagnostic criteria. The Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire was also used, along with questions about headache treatment, headache-related signs and symptoms, headache triggers, headache relieving factors, sleep routine, dietary consumption, and the influence of each factor on migraine. The dietary habits of the females experiencing migraines and its relationship to their headache were found to be statistically significant between headaches lasting from 4 to 72 hours in relation to (Nuts p-value= 0.000, Hot/Spicy foods p-value= 0.000, Tomato p-value= 0.005, Banana p-value=0.01, Aspartame p-value=0.012, Beverages containing caffeine p-value=0.000 and Citrusy Fruits p-value=0.008) because the result of p-value was less than the common alpha 0.05. To maintain good eating habits, healthy eating and a proper nutrition style must be followed. Further investigation is also required to find additional dietary migraine triggers. Finally, modifications to data gathering, such as face-to-face interviews, may increase research quality.