Prevalence and Outcomes of Restless Legs Syndrome Among Veterans
Abstract
Background. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a commonly under diagnosed organic cause of insomnia. Prevalence ranges from 4% to 16%. Thirty-five percent of US adults report insomnia annually. There is evidence that insomnia leads to psychic distress which impacts health care utilization. Purpose. To examine a proposed model which links RLS to insomnia, and insomnia to physic distress and increased utilization. Scope. To estimate the prevalence of RLS, insomnia, mood disorders, and substance abuse; quantify the proportion of mood disorders and substance abuse which are attributable 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. Methods. 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. Results. 20% of males and 32% of females reported RLS. 14% of males and 26% of females reported insomnia. 7% of both genders reported severe daytime sleepiness. 3% of those with RLS; 15% of those with insomnia; and 27% of those with severe daytime sleepiness had a diagnosis in the VA medical record. For insomnia, the risk % attributable to RLS was 22%***; to obesity was 27%,** and to female gender was 11%.** For daytime sleepiness, the AR% to insomnia was 27%***; to RLS was 7%**; to male gender was 12%; and to obesity was 12%. *p < .05; **p < .01; ***p < .001.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA442868
Entities
People
- Claire C. Bourguet