Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Migraine Among Women in Iceland
Migraine is a prevalent neurovascular disorder characterized by severe headaches which can significantly impact the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Previous studies have shown associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and various health issues, including evidence suggesting a link to migraine. However, there few large population-based studies have explored the link between ACEs and migraine among women. This study investigates whether ACEs are associated with an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with migraine among women. Methods Participants were 14,240 women who took part in the population-based SAGA Cohort Study in 2018-2019 (aged 18–69; mean age of 45 years; standard deviation 14). Thirteen types of ACEs were assessed with the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE – IQ). Migraine was assessed with the question: "Have you been diagnosed with migraine?". Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association between ACEs and migraine. Adjustments were made for current age, socioeconomic and demographic factors, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Results Of the 14,240 women, 22.3% reported being diagnosed with migraine at some point in their lives. Additionally, 22.8% of women reported no ACE, 22.8% reported one, 17.1% had two, 12.1% had experienced three, and 25.3% reported ≥4 ACEs. The number of ACEs was associated with migraine in a graded fashion. Women that reported one ACE were 1.26 times more likely to have migraine than those with no ACE (95% CI: 1.11–1.42), while those with two ACEs were 1.41 times more likely to have migraine (95% CI: 1.23–1.61). Further, women with three ACEs were 1.46 times likely to have migraine (95% CI: 1.26–1.69), and women with four or more ACEs 1.86 times more likely to have migraine compared to those with no ACE (95% CI: 1.65–2.10). Conclusion The results suggest an association between ACEs and migraine among women. Increased knowledge about the effects of ACEs on the nervous system and stress response, and how they are linked to conditions such as migraine, can be valuable for developing treatment options for this patient group.
Læknisfræði, Mígreni, Sálræn áföll, Konur
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