Evaluation of the burden of migraine on the partner’s lifestyle

Background

Despite the number of research studies regarding the individual burden of migraine, few studies have examined its impact on the patients’ partners. We aim to assess migraine effects on the patients’ partners on sentimental relationship, children relationship, friendship, and work, as well as the caregiver burden, anxiety and/or depression.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted through an online survey of partners of patients with migraine followed-up in 5 Headache Units. Questions about the 4 areas of interest and 2 scales (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Zarit scale) were included. Scores were compared against the population prevalence.

Results

One hundred and fifty-five answers were analysed. Among the patient’s partners 135/155 (87.1%) were men, with a mean age of 45.6 ± 10.1 years. Migraine’s main effects on partners were observed in the sentimental relationship and items concerning children and friendships, with a minor impact at work. Partners showed a moderate burden (12/155 = 7.7% [4.1%–13.1%]), and a higher moderate-severe anxiety rate (23/155 = 14.8% [9.6%–21.4%]), and similar depression rate (5/155 = 3.2% [1.1%–7.3%]) compared to the National Health Survey.

Conclusions

The burden of migraine impacts the partners’ personal relationship, childcare, friendship and work. Moreover, certain migraine partners showed a moderate burden according to Zarit scale and higher anxiety levels than the Spanish population.