Prevalence and Predictors of Restless Leg Syndrome in Adolescents and Young Adults of Bengaluru City, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disease characterized by an urge to move the legs, often caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs. It affects the quality of sleep which in turn affects scholastic performance in children and predisposes them to cardiovascular diseases in the long run. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of RLS, poor sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted between September 2017 and March 2020 in Bengaluru, India, including all consenting PreUniversity College, Degree College, and Higher Secondary school students. After parental consent and assent (if applicable) was obtained, a semi-structured standardized pilot-tested questionnaire consisting of the RLS diagnostic criteria, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth sleepiness scale, and questions on sleep hygiene was administered. The prevalence was expressed as proportions and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Regression analysis was done to determine the predictors. Results: The overall prevalence (95% CI; frequency) of students with RLS, poor sleep quality, and EDS in our study population was 8.36% (7.54, 9.24; n = 1,544/4,211), 36.67% (35.21, 38.14; n = 1,544/4,211), and 39.87% (38.39, 41.37; n = 1,679/4,211), respectively. PSQI and Epworth score were the significant predictors of RLS. Age, Epworth score, knowledge score, and the number of unacceptable sleep habits were the significant predictors of sleep quality. Female gender, PSQI, RLS, knowledge score, and the number of unacceptable sleep habits were the significant predictors of EDS. Conclusions: The prevalence of RLS, those with poor sleep quality and EDS among adolescents and young adults was higher when compared to the historical data of general population in the same city.