Management of Migraine and Associated Factors among Nurses of DHQ Hospital Jhelum

Abstract

Migraine is a common and disabling neurological disorder that disproportionately affects nursing professionals due to high occupational stress, shift work, and sleep disturbance. In Pakistan, limited evidence exists regarding migraine-related stressors and coping practices among nurses working in public sector hospitals. Objective: To assess workplace stressors, migraine-related physical and psychological responses, and coping strategies among nurses working at DHQ Hospital, Jhelum. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 155 registered nurses at DHQ Hospital Jhelum during 2022–2023. Participants were selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, workplace stressors, migraine-related symptoms, and coping strategies. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, and results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: The majority of participants were female (94.2%), with the largest age group being 31–40 years (36.8%). Most nurses held a Diploma in General Nursing (52.3%) and had 6–10 years of professional experience (43.2%). Supervisor pressure was reported as “always” by 43.9% of nurses, while health problems were reported “very often” by 62.6%. Sleep disturbance was the most frequent physical response, reported “very often” by 48.4% of participants. Headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms, backache, mood swings, forgetfulness (45.2% “sometimes”), and poor concentration (41.3% “sometimes”) were common. Sleeping was the most frequently used coping strategy (62.6% “always” or “very often”), followed by prayer (45.2% “frequently”). Non-pharmacological approaches such as exercise, walking, music therapy, and social interaction were widely practiced. Conclusion: Nurses at DHQ Hospital Jhelum experience substantial occupational stress associated with frequent migraine-related physical and psychological symptoms. Coping strategies are largely self-directed and non-pharmacological. These findings suggest the need for structured occupational health interventions, stress-reduction programs, and institutional support systems tailored to the context of Pakistani public hospitals to mitigate the migraine burden and enhance workforce well-being.