Migraines and Family Life: Adaptation and Validation of the Portuguese Version of the IMPAC Scale

Abstract

Migraine is a prevalent disorder imposing a great, pervasive burden on the bearer’s life. However, research is lacking on the individual and family impact of migraines. This study aims to adapt and validate a Portuguese version of the Impact of Migraine on Partners and Adolescent Children (IMPAC) scale, analyzing its psychometric properties. Four hundred eighty six individuals with migraines answered an online questionnaire, also containing a health-related quality of life measure – SF-12. The IMPAC-P presented good psychometric properties and fit of the theoretical model with three underlying factors – Activity Limitations, Partner Interaction, and Children Interaction. The impact of migraines was higher in women, single or widowed individuals, and those aged 21 to 40, exhibiting a significant and negative correlation with SF-12. The IMPAC-P is a brief, valid, reliable, and sensitive tool for assessing the impact of migraines on the bearer’s life and family in both clinical and research contexts.