Restless Legs Syndrome among Pakistani Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a chronic distressing disease characterized by an urge to move the legs with an unpleasantsensation during periods of rest. The global prevalence estimates of RLS range from 2.5% to 15%. Method. This cross-sectional study was conducted at various hospitals in Karachi during August 13 to March 14. The visitors who had accompanied patients to Outpatient Department or had come to visit admitted patients were approached conveniently. Subjects were interviewed regarding the essential criteria of RLS and its attributes. Results. The sample size was 390 with 56% being females. The point prevalence of RLS was estimated to be 23.6%. The prevalence in females was twice as high as compared to males. Smoking and low level of education were associated with RLS (P < 0.001). Among RLS positive individuals, 50.1% reported frequency of their symptoms to be greater than 16 days per month and 64.1% graded their symptom severity as mild to moderate. About 37% of RLS positive individuals consulted a general physician for their symptoms. Conclusion. RLS is highly prevalent and underdiagnosed condition among Pakistani population. Efforts must be directed to raise the awareness of this condition among physicians and general population.

Prevalence of restless leg syndrome in Mongolian adults: Mon-TimeLine study

“…Our findings have determined that RLS prevalence in the Mongolian population is higher than RLS prevalence in Japan and Taiwan, which is 1.6% and 1.8%, respectively, and the lowest prevalence of RLS in Asia [12,21]. On the other hand, the prevalence of RLS in Mongolia is significantly less than that of Pakistan, which has the highest prevalence rate with 23.6% [22].…”

Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome among Medical Students of Karachi: An Experience from a Developing Country

“…There was no specified age group defined, and they took patients with comorbidities. Our study was in healthy individuals, so the impact is foreseen to be higher with advanced age and comorbidities [11]. Both studies go on to prove a ratio of 2 : 1 of female to male suffering from this condition.…”

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“…These urge and sensation are often partially relieved by movements, however, they disturb the sleep quality leading to daytime fatigue and sleepiness. Furthermore, RLS can be classified as a primary disorder in cases of the idiopathic origin or it can occur secondary to diabetes mellitus, renal failure, iron deficiency, pregnancy and polyneuropathies [ 4 ]. Moreover, infections such as COVID-19 has also been noted to cause sleep disturbance and RLS by the complex interaction of immune response with the central nervous system [ 1 ].…”