The prevalence of restless legs syndrome in adult Saudis attending primary health care

Abstract Objective This study assessed the prevalence and severity of restless leg syndrome (RLS) among patients attending primary health care (PHC) facilities. Methods We interviewed 1303 consecutive patients attending PHC face-to-face using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRL...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:General hospital psychiatry 2011-03, Vol.33 (2), p.102-106
Main Authors: BaHammam, Ahmed, F.R.C.P., F.C.C.P, Al-sharani, Khalid, Al-zahrani, Saeed, Al-shammari, Aysha, Al-amri, Nojowd, Sharif, Munir, M.Sc., M.C.S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Epidemiology
Female
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Miscellaneous
Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes)
Nervous system as a whole
Neurology
Prevalence
Primary Health Care
Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Restless legs syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome - epidemiology
Saudi Arabia - epidemiology
Saudis
Severity of Illness Index
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Objective This study assessed the prevalence and severity of restless leg syndrome (RLS) among patients attending primary health care (PHC) facilities. Methods We interviewed 1303 consecutive patients attending PHC face-to-face using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria. We assessed the severity of RLS using the IRLSSG severity scale for RLS. Results The prevalence of RLS in our sample was 5.2% and was highest among participants between 45 and 60 years of age. The overall prevalence was roughly equal between males and females; however, RLS was more prevalent in females older than 45 years compared to males in the same age group. Eight participants (11.8%) reported mild symptoms, 29 (42.6%) moderate, 29 (42.6%) severe, and 2 (2.9%) very severe. None of the participants had been diagnosed or treated for RLS. Conclusion Restless leg syndrome is common among Saudis (Arabs). Our study supports the findings of reports in other countries demonstrating that primary care physicians do not often recognize RLS.
ISSN:0163-8343
1873-7714
DOI:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2011.01.005