Prevalence and associated comorbidities of restless legs syndrome (RLS): Data from a large population-based door-to-door survey on 19176 adults in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

BackgroundDiscrepancies have been reported in the prevalence rate of restless legs syndrome (RLS) among different ethnic groups and geographic populations. Furthermore, there are disagreements on determinant factors and associated comorbidities of RLS. We aimed to estimate prevalence of RLS and investigate its associated comorbid conditions and risk factors in a large population-based door-to-door survey.MethodsFollowing a multistage random sampling from the households lived in 22 urban districts of Tehran, Iran, 19176 participants with ≥30 years of age were recruited. Trained surveyors filled study checklist consisting of baseline characteristics, risk factors and comorbidity profile and the International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria through face-to-face interviews.ResultsIn total, 1580 individuals were positively screened for RLS resulting in a standardized prevalence rate of 60.0/1000. There was a gradual increase in RLS prevalence by advancing age, however, sex difference disappeared after adjustment. Parkinsonism [adjusted odds’ ratio (adj-OR) = 7.4 (95% CI: 5.3–10.4)], peripheral neuropathy [adj-OR = 3.7 (95% CI: 3.3–4.1)], subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) [adj-OR = 3.1 (95% CI: 2.7–3.4)], acting out dreams [adj-OR = 2.8 (95% CI: 2.5–3.2)], hyposmia [adj-OR = 2.5 (95% CI: 2.2–2.9)], active smoking [adj-OR = 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3–1.9)] and additional number of cardiometabolic diseases associated with higher risk of RLS [adj-OR = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.2–2.3)].ConclusionOur findings showed that neuro-cognitive co-morbidities such as parkinsonism, peripheral neuropathy, SCI, acting out dreams and hyposmia as well as cardio-metabolic risk factors and diseases were independent determinants of RLS. It is recommended to screen individuals with either these comorbid conditions for RLS or the ones with RLS for the accompanying diseases.

Risk factors of primary and secondary restless legs syndrome among a middle-aged population in Saudi Arabia: A community-based study

“…This finding is consistent with previously reported data, which have indicated that smoking is an independent risk factor for RLS. [ 24 44 ]…”

The Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage on the Sleep Quality of Elderly Women With Restless Leg Syndrome

“…These studies have shown that RLS is more common in women than men, and the prevalence of this syndrome increases with older ages (Celle et al 2010;Chavoshi et al 2015;Çurgunlu et al 2012;Shin et al 2013). According to Fereshtehnejad et al (2017) study, this disorder is common in Iranian elderly people three times more than young people.…”

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

“…A study published in Sleep Medicine in 2015 stated that students self-diagnosed themselves with restless legs syndrome and were not aware of the term Willis-Ekbom Disease [20]. A study with a higher subject participation was conducted in Iran where patients with all sort of comorbid factors were investigated, and it concluded that smoking or any neurodegenerative comorbidity played a significant role in the incidence [21]. A study in Turkey showed a general low incidence, but people living at high altitudes were at a greater risk to develop this disorder, so more studies can be done to probe into this topic in the future.…”

“…As it also affects the sleep of students, thus, more extensive studies are required to be done about the etiologies behind these symptoms so that they can be addressed then. (13)(14)(15) 0 (0) 2 (100) Very severe (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24) 0 (0) 0 (0)…”