Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in a Georgian primary healthcare setting: a pilot study

The prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is approximately 10% in Western Europe, but unknown in Georgia. This pilot study aimed to assess RLS prevalence in a focused Georgian population.

An RLS epidemiological questionnaire [Allen et al.: Sleep Med 2003;4:101-119] was filled out by patients in five primary healthcare centers in two Georgian cities between March and September 2006. Additionally, questions related to RLS symptom onset, family history, treatment, sleep disturbance and history of iron deficiency were included. RLS diagnosis was based on an expert interview and an epidemiological questionnaire for RLS.

The total number of respondents was 115 (75% women/25% men); mean age was 47 years (range 18-85). Thirteen subjects (11.3%) reported RLS symptoms (9 women/4 men); mean age was 52 years (range 32-83). Eleven (85%) had a positive family history of RLS. All subjects had sleep disturbance and none had a history of known iron deficiency.

The prevalence of RLS in a focused Georgian population is in line with other RLS epidemiologic studies performed in clinical settings. However, the prevalence rate of RLS in a studied group might not be representative for the general Georgian population. Further population-based epidemiological studies are required.