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Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in Pakistan: a systematic review and meta-analysis across diverse study
Hamideh Ebrahimi1, Maryam Shaghaghi Ranjbar2, Nazanin Ebrahimi3
1Lahore School of Nursing, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.
Background:
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep-related disorder that negatively affects sleep and quality of life. This study aimed to synthesize prevalence across diverse Pakistani populations of RLS in Pakistan and compare it across different populations and regions.
Methods:
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and the study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD420261319739). The databases PakMediNet, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to February 2026. Observational studies reporting the prevalence of RLS using validated diagnostic tools were included. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. A random-effects model was applied to estimate pooled prevalence, and heterogeneity, subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and publication bias were systematically evaluated.
Results:
A total of 61 studies comprising 65 independent reports were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence across included Pakistani study populations was high, with substantial heterogeneity observed across studies. Higher prevalence estimates were identified in several high-risk groups, including pregnant women, patients undergoing hemodialysis, individuals with diabetes, and students. Although most studies employed the IRLSSG diagnostic criteria, heterogeneity remained considerable. Moreover, the geographic distribution of studies was uneven, with no data available from Baluchistan Province.
Conclusion:
RLS appears to be a highly prevalent yet under-recognized condition in Pakistan. Population-based studies employing standardized methodologies, broader geographic coverage, and focused investigation of high-risk groups are warranted to achieve more accurate estimates of disease burden and to better inform future research priorities, healthcare awareness, and epidemiological planning.
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