Prevalence and Severity of Restless Legs Syndrome Among Medical Studentsat Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent sensorimotor neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, typically accompanied by uncomfortable sensations that worsen during rest and at night and are relieved by movement. Although increasingly recognized across diverse populations, data on RLS prevalence among medical students in Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan, remain limited.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from December 10, 2025, to March 20, 2026, at Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan. Using convenience sampling, 450 undergraduate medical students (62.2% male, 37.8% female) aged 18–26 years completed a structured, self-administered questionnaire incorporating the four essential IRLSSG diagnostic criteria and adapted questions from the IRLSSG Rating Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel and SPSS.

Results: Approximately 20% (n=90) of participants satisfied all four IRLSSG criteria for probable RLS. Symptoms were predominantly mild to moderate in severity (mean overall symptom score: 1.3 on a 0–5 scale). A total of 17.8% reported that leg symptoms adversely affected academic performance or daily activities, and 20% slept fewer than five hours per night. Family history of RLS was noted in 17.8%, and 57.8% expressed interest in learning RLS management strategies.

Conclusion: This study identifies a 20% prevalence of probable RLS among medical students in Kyrgyzstan—comparable to findings from Saudi Arabia and exceeding those from Pakistan—with notable sleep disruption and academic impact. Routine screening, sleep hygiene education, and targeted interventions addressing modifiable risk factors should be incorporated into medical training programs. Multi-center, clinically validated studies across Central Asia are warranted.