Health related quality of life in children with migraine. A controlled study

Abstract

Background: Headaches are prevalent in the pediatric population. Migraine significantly impacts the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of sufferers. Objective: To measure the impact of migraine on the HRQoL of children, by applying the Brazilian version of the SF-36 in children with migraine and in controls. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, HRQoL was measured with the SF-36, and scores for the 8 domains of the test were contrasted comparing children (5 to 14 years) with and without migraine. Results: Sample consisted of 66 children (30 with migraine and 36 controls). Mean age was 10.9 years for migraine (Standard Deviation - SD = 3 years) and 10.4 for controls (SD = 3.1 years). Proportion of children with low HRQoL scores was significantly higher in the migraine group, relative to controls, for the 8 domains of the test: vitality, physical functioning, bodily pain, general health perceptions, physical role functioning, emotional role functioning, social role functioning, and mental health. Conclusion: Children with migraine are significantly impacted in their HRQoL, relative to children without migraine.