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Knowledge and educational needs of nursing staff in the recognition and management of migraine patients: a cross-sectional study from Poland
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DOI：10.1186/s12912-026-05239-x.png)
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Abstract
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Migraine is a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet evidence suggests that nursing staff often lack sufficient knowledge to adequately support patients with migraine. Despite the pivotal role nurses play in patient education, symptom identification, and pharmacological management monitoring, no comprehensive study has examined this issue in Poland. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 420 nurses actively employed in healthcare facilities across multiple regions of Poland. An original researcher-developed, content-validated knowledge assessment instrument comprising five thematic domains was used: aetiology and pathophysiology (Domain A), recognition and differential diagnosis (Domain B), trigger factors (Domain C), pharmacological and non-pharmacological management (Domain D), and the nurse’s role in health education (Domain E). Statistical analysis included the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and multivariable linear regression. The mean total knowledge score was 67.0% (SD = 13.7%). Good knowledge (≥ 75%) was demonstrated by 28.3% of respondents, average knowledge (50–74%) by 63.1%, and poor knowledge (< 50%) by 8.6%. The highest score was recorded in Domain E (health education role; M = 80.8%), while the lowest was in Domain D (pharmacological management; M = 53.4%). Only 29.0% of respondents correctly identified triptans as first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe migraine attacks. A master’s degree (M = 72.3%) and nursing specialisation (M = 69.3%) were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores (p < 0.001). As many as 86.4% of respondents had never attended migraine-related training, and 75.0% expressed the need for further education. Nursing staff demonstrate a mean knowledge score of 67.0%, falling within the operationally defined average range, with marked deficits in pharmacotherapy and differential diagnosis. Higher education and professional specialisation are associated with higher knowledge scores. The results justify the implementation of structured, cyclical training programmes in migraine headache at undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels, with particular focus on pharmacological management, red flag recognition, and psychological support.
Keywords:
Migraine
Nurses’ knowledge
Educational needs
Health education
Headache, Nursing staff
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