Perception of the validity of the Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire in a population of patients with chronic migraine

Abstract

Objectives: The Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire is the most frequently used instrument for assessing the level of disability in studies into migraine. This study aims to determine the level of completion of the questionnaire, assess the ease of use, and understand patients' subjective perception of the questionnaire's actual ability to measure disability.

Material and methods: We performed a prospective study of a sample of 78 patients with chronic migraine, determining their level of education and employment status. In a baseline visit, patients were trained to properly complete the questionnaire. At 3 months, we determined the total score and level of completion. Patients also completed a survey measuring ease of use of the questionnaire and patients' perception of whether the score accurately reflected their disability.

Results: Only 46% of patients fully completed the questionnaire. Sixty-nine percent reported finding it difficult to complete (this was influenced by patient's employment status but not by educational level). Sixty-two percent of respondents believed that the questionnaire did not fully reflect their own perception of their disability.

Conclusions: Although the validity and consistence of the MIDAS questionnaire are well documented, a high percentage of the study population reported finding it difficult to complete; many patients also considered that the questionnaire did not accurately reflect their disability. Understanding patients' opinions of the suitability of questionnaires used in consultation is crucial to improving completion.

Keywords: Chronic migraine; Cuestionarios; Disability; Disability Assessment Scale; Discapacidad; Migraine; Migraña; Migraña crónica; Questionnaires.