The Relation of Marital Conflict and Some of Socio-Demographic Features With Migraine Headache Odds Ratio



Ebrahimi A¹ ; Najafi MR² ; Mehrabi A³ ; Sadeghi Z⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2008

Abstract

Background: The role of psychological factors related to migraine headache has been a focus of investigation for long time. The purpose of this study was to determine relationship between marital conflicts as important stress source and migraine headache. Methods: In order to evaluate marital conflicts among patients with migraine and to compare with control group, 74 patients with migraine according to International Headache Society (IHS) criteria, were randomly selected from Clinic of Neurology in Alzahra Medical Center. Control group were matched base on some of patients demographic characters, and selected from medical and health centers. Both groups were assessed by Iranian version of Marital Conflicts Questionnaire. Data was analyzed by Manwithny U, Pearson and two point serials correlations and logistic regression Methods. Findings: Data revealed that frequency of marital conflicts among patients with migraine (28%) was higher than control group (11%). Mean score of Marital Conflict was higher in patients than control group (p<0.01). Migraine headache was predictable based on marital conflicts scores, positive family history and education. Conclusion: Chronic stress and lack of qualified skills to cope with stress may be precipitate migraine headache. Because migraine is multifactorial disorder, it is necessary to suggest psychological variables in treatment plan, so couple therapy and skill learning to strengthen the family relations for patients are recommended. © 2008, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.