Mapping Migraine Minds: A cross-sectional survey to compare the difference in the level of treatment expectations and satisfaction for migraine among Indian male & female patients

Abstract text (incl. figure legends and references)

Objectives: To assess the difference in the level of treatment expectations and satisfaction for migraine among Indian male(M) and female(F) patients.

Methods: A survey was conducted from 20th April 2022 – 21st June 2022 in 300 adult male and female (1:1) migraine patients. Survey questionnaire was validated by a steering committee of 10 Indian neurologists. Data was collected by using telephonic and face to face interview mode.

Results: On an average, female migraine patients had higher expectations from migraine treatment compared with males [60%(F); 51%(M)]. Higher proportion of females wanted aggressive therapy for rapid relief [68%(F); 52%(M)]. Higher proportion of females expected symptom relief [53%(F); 41%(M)] & more females did not want their migraine to worsen [48%(F); 36%(M)]. Overall average treatment satisfaction level was lower in females than that in males for both acute [73%(F); 77%(M)] & preventive therapies [81%(F); 87%(M)].

Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that there is a difference in the level of treatment expectations & satisfaction with both acute & preventive therapies with female patients demanding more from their current migraine therapies. An individualized approach towards migraine care for both male & female patients comprising of realistic expectations from therapy, lifestyle modification, trigger management & early use of targeted advanced pharmacotherapy would improve clinical outcomes. A focused attention towards female migraine patients in India is warranted where females are also the caregivers, & their migraine could impact their families too

Key words: Migraine; Treatment satisfaction; Treatment expectation; Genders