Assessing Prevalence of Migraine Headache,Associated Factors and Absenteeism among Ethio-Telecom Call Center Workers in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia.
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Date
2025-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Migraine headaches are one of the most disabling types of headaches that is a
pain in and around the head region presenting as a throbbing pain or pulsating sensation. Stress
among other triggers is a notable risk factor for migraine, However, research is scarce on the
prevalence of migraine headaches and its impact on call center workers of Ethio-Telecom in
Addis Ababa.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of migraine headaches, associated factors and absenteeism
among Call center workers of Ethio-Telecom.
Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted at the call centers of Ethio-Telecom which
are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data was collected from 482 participants using structured selfadministered
questionnaire, using migraine screening questionnaires according to international
headache standards criteria, participants were stratified and selected through random sampling.
Furthermore, observation was made using an observational checklist to explore the working
conditions. The questionnaire response data was entered in to excel, and the data was cleaned
and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 with descriptive
statistics and regression models.
Results: From 482 participants, the prevalence of migraine headache was 44.2% among Ethio
Telecom call center workers. Migraine headache was significantly associated with stress. Work
stress (AOR = 32.0, 95% CI; 6.42 –166.01), the length of call duration for audio section (AOR
= 5.9, 95% CI; 1.70 -18.60), negative effect of migraine on quality of life. (AOR = 23, 95% CI;
5.91 – 85.92), family history of migraine headache (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI; 1.01 – 6.72).
Perceived aggravating factors associated with migraine headache was family stressor (57.7%),
noise (68.1%), sunlight (75.5%) inadequate sleep (40.8%). An average of 2.9 workdays was
lost per migraine attack, and a total of 565 workdays was lost due to migraine headache in the
past 3 months at the time of data collection.
Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of migraine headache was high among Ethio telecom
call center workers. Stress, call duration for the audio call section, and having a negative effect
of migraine headache like migraine limiting daily activities, emotional wellbeing and decline
cognitive function were significantly associated with migraine headache.
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Keywords
Migraine headache, Risk factors, Call center workers, Ethio telecom