Impact of Self-Management on Disability and Self-Efficacy in Adults with Chronic Migraine

Abstract

Chronic migraine is a primary headache disorder impacting approximately five million individuals in the United States. This condition is associated with significant individual and societal consequences, causing impaired function and high levels of healthcare utilization. The aim of this quasi-experimental single cohort study was to determine if an outpatient self management program for chronic migraine over eight weeks would decrease migraine disability and enhance self-efficacy. Fifteen adults, age 18-65, who met the criteria for diagnosis of chronic migraine were enrolled in the study through convenience sampling. The pilot project was implemented at a Midwest outpatient physical medication and rehabilitation practice. Enrolled patients participated in an evidence-based self-management program with multimodal formats including verbal, written, video, and online. Outcome measures included migraine disability, headache management self-efficacy, acute medication use, and migraine frequency. Participants also completed a postintervention survey to assess satisfaction. Results showed a reduction in migraine disability scores. Acute medication use decreased by over 50%, and frequency of migraine and headache days reduced by close to 40%. Outcomes also supported an increase in self-efficacy and a trend of improved health behaviors. Despite high rates of disability, patient education and self-management programs for chronic migraine are not readily available. The study outcomes encourage use of a hybrid clinic and web-based self-management model to improve migraine disability and self-efficacy.