Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome and its related Factors among Older Adults in Eslamabad-e-Gharb, Iran

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sensory-motor disorder that is observed as an unpleasant sensation in the legs, especially when sitting or lying down and at rest. This study aimed to determine the prevalence RLS and its related factors among older adults in Eslamabad-e-Gharb, Kermanshah province, Iran in 2021.

Totally, 240 elderlies entered the study using two stages random sampling. The instruments used in the study included the International RLS Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Mind Wandering Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pain Self-efficacy Questionnaire.

Symptoms of RLS were mild in 68.3% of the participants and severe in 14.2% of them. There was a statistically significant relationship between RLS and sleep quality (p = 0.001) and daily drowsiness (p = 0.034). The chance of developing RLS in the group with poor sleep quality was 22% higher than the group with good sleep quality (OR = 1.22). Also, people with drowsiness were 13% more likely to develop RLS than others (OR = 1.131), and in the age group of 71-80 years and over 80 years, 6% and 2% higher than the 60-70 years respectively (OR = 1.068 and 1.023). No statistically significant relationship was found between RLS with mind wandering and pain self-efficacy.

Due to the high prevalence of RLS and its relationship with sleep quality and daily drowsiness among older adults, implementation of RLS screening to identify patients to prevent sleep disorders seems necessary. The relation of RLS with mind wandering and pain self-efficacy need further studies.