Pan-American migraine prevalence: Findings from the Americas’ migraine observatory study (AMIGOS)

Abstract

Introduction: Analyzing the epidemiology of headache disorders is fundamental for understanding their behaviour anddesigning effective public health strategies. Epidemiologic studies conducted in individual countries often lack consistentmethodologies, limiting broader interpretation. The Americas’ Migraine Observatory Study (AMIGOS) is a Pan-Americanepidemiological study designed to evaluate the burden and access to treatment of migraine and other headache disordersacross the Americas. Here, we present data on migraine prevalence and disability.Objectives: To describe and compare the prevalence and burden of migraine in the Americas at a specific time pointusing a unified sampling methodology. Additionally, to identify regional variations and potential factors contributing todifferences in prevalence, providing a foundation for targeted public health strategies.Materials and Methods: Data were collected online or via telephone from a sample representative of the demographicand social characteristics of each country, with a confidence level of 98% and a margin of error of 5%. We conducted bothqualitative and quantitative research on key aspects of headaches among 16,202 individuals in 19 countries from Canadato Chile. Migraine diagnosis was made based on the ICHD-3 criteria.Results: The overall prevalence of migraine was 9.7% (13.2% among females, 6.5% among males). The highest prevalence wasobserved in Brazil (13.8%), Canada (13.2%), and the United States (12.7%), while the lowest prevalence was found in Bolivia (5.5%),Paraguay (7.1%), and Argentina (7.3%). Participants typically experienced 4 headache days per month, and chronic migraine prevalencewas estimated at 1.3%. The migraine burden, as measured by Years Lived with Disability (YLDs), was highest in the United States.