Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome and Associated Factors Among University IT Students in Mirpurkhas, Sindh
Prevalence of RLS Among IT Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1382Keywords:
Restless Legs Syndrome, RLS Prevalence, IT Students, Sedentary Behavior, Neurological DisordersAbstract
Background: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations and an irresistible urge to move the legs, particularly during rest. The prevalence of RLS in Pakistan, especially among students, remains underexplored.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of RLS among information technology students in Mirpurkhas, Sindh.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 21 to August 4, involving 200 IT students (115 males, 85 females) aged 18-28 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria. Participants were categorized into mild, moderate, severe, and very severe RLS. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of RLS was 78.5%, with 57.5% of males and 42.5% of females affected. Severe discomfort was reported by 17.8% of students aged 18-21 years. The need to move legs due to RLS symptoms was significant (p = 0.030).
Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of RLS among IT students, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to manage this condition in academic settings.
Downloads
References
Chen NH, Chuang LP, Yang CT, Kushida CA, Hsu SC, Wang PC, Lin SW, Chou YT, Chen RS, Li HY, Lai SC. The Prevalence Of Restless Legs Syndrome In Taiwanese Adults. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 2010;64(2):170-8.
Coccagna G, Vetrugno R, Lombardi C, Provini F. Restless Legs Syndrome: An Historical Note. Sleep Medicine. 2004;5(3):279-83.
Silva GE, Goodwin JL, Vana KD, Vasquez MM, Wilcox PG, Quan SF. Restless Legs Syndrome, Sleep, And Quality Of Life Among Adolescents And Young Adults. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2014;10(7):779-86.
Alsafadi S, Abaalkhail B, Wali SO, Aljammali K, Alotaiby B, Zakaria I, et al. Risk Factors Of Primary And Secondary Restless Legs Syndrome Among A Middle-Aged Population In Saudi Arabia: A Community-Based Study. Annals of Thoracic Medicine. 2018;13(3):175-80.
Qureshi MF, Arshad S, Deeba F, Dherwani A, Raza A, Akram A, et al. Prevalence Rate Of Restless Legs Syndrome Among Healthcare Students Of Karachi. Sleep Disorders. 2020;2020:1-5.
Wijemanne S, Ondo W. Restless Legs Syndrome: Clinical Features, Diagnosis And A Practical Approach To Management. Practical Neurology. 2017;17(6):444-52.
Phillips B, Young T, Finn L, Asher K, Hening WA, Purvis C. Epidemiology Of Restless Legs Symptoms In Adults. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2000;160(14):2137-41.
Khan M, Robab S, Ahmed A, Rao S, Salem M, Sreedharan J. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Restless Leg Syndrome. Journal of Medical and Health Studies. 2024 Mar 16;5(1):68-74.
Ishaq M, Riaz S, Iqbal N, Siddiqui S, Moin A, Sajjad S, et al. Prevalence Of Restless Legs Syndrome Among Medical Students Of Karachi: An Experience From A Developing Country. Sleep Disorders. 2020;2020:1-6.
AlShareef SM. The prevalence of and risk factors for restless legs syndrome: a nationwide study. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2023 Jan 3;13:987689.
Afzal MT, Farwa U, Attiq M, Jamil N, Anjum N, Bibi M. The Frequency of Restless Legs Syndrome Among University Students. Journal Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences. 2023 Sep 30;11(03).
Almutairi AH, Alatawi AA, Binsufayan SA, Beeshi AA, Abunohaiah IS, Alatawi MS, et al. Evaluation Of Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Restless Legs Syndrome Among Medical Students At University Of Tabuk-2017. The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine. 2018;70(9):1440-4.
JAHAN N, Mehmood A, Khan N, Khan F. Effect of Restless leg syndrome on the sleep quality of medical students of university in rural Sindh. International Annals of Health Sciences. 2024 Aug 7;1(2).
Low BS, Koshy S, Thein KM, Tayeba S, Saha S. Factors Associated with Sleep Disorders Among International University Students in Malaysia. Sleep and Vigilance. 2024 Jan 7:1-8.
Qaiser N, Manzoor S, Zakaullah I, Khan M, Fazal N. The Frequency and Associated Factors of Restless Leg Syndrome among Pregnant Women in 3rd Trimester. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research. 2024 May 10;4(2):608-12.
Kıskaç N, Zorlu M. Determining the Frequency of Restless Legs Syndrome in the Adult Population. Bezmialem Science. 2023.
Aljarallah S, Alkhawajah N, Aldosari O, Alhuqbani M, Alqifari F, Alkhuwaitir B, Aldawood A, Alshenawy O, BaHammam AS. Restless leg syndrome in multiple sclerosis: a case–control study. Frontiers in Neurology. 2023 Jun 19;14:1194212.
Ibrahim FM, Salmi RN, Saif MA, Mohammed A. Sleep Disorders’ Prevalence and Impact on Academic Performance among Undergraduate Nursing Students in a Selected University, United Arab Emirates. SAGE Open Nursing. 2024 Aug;10:23779608241274229.
Chaabane S, Chaabna K, Khawaja S, Aboughanem J, Mittal D, Mamtani R, Cheema S. Sleep disorders and associated factors among medical students in the Middle East and North Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports. 2024 Feb 26;14(1):4656.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Noor Jahan Shaikh, Atif Mahmood, Naveed Ahsan, Faria Khan
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
