Prevalence and Outcomes of Restless Legs Syndrome Among Veterans

Abstract

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a commonly under or misdiagnosed organic cause of insomnia. Prevalence estimates range form 4 to 16%, with 29% reported among Veterans. Thirty-five percent of US adults report insomnia annually. There is evidence that insomnia leads to psychic distress which impacts health care utilization. To examine components of a proposed model linking RLS to insomnia, and insomnia to physic distress and increased utilization. To estimate the prevalence of RLS, insomnia, mood disorders, and substance abuse; quantify the proportion of mood disorders and substance abuse which are attributes to RLS and insomnia; document the diagnosis of RLS and insomnia; and estimate the association of RLS and insomnia to health care utilization and health related quality of life. A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of Ohio VA clients using telephone interviews and data extracted from medical records. One year follow-up of health care utilization using postal questionnaire and medical records. In the first research year, interviews were completed with 958 veterans. Methods for abstracting utilization data from electronic medical records were developed, as were methods to adjust study outcomes for health status of study members. Data collection is ongoing.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA424133

Entities

People

  • Claire C. Bourguet

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Computers
  • Data Analysis
  • Databases
  • Department Of Veterans Affairs
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Dyssomnias
  • Electronic Mail
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mood Disorders
  • Patient Care
  • Personnel Management
  • Quality Of Life
  • Surgery
  • Surveys

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Maritime Security/Maritime Homeland Security
  • Medical or Health Care Field.
  • Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) EDI Research and Innovation.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics