Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome in Korean Adult Population: Comparison between International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Criteria and Cambridge-Hopkins Diagnostic Questionnaire

Objectives: To assess and compare restless legs syndrome (RLS) prevalence according to International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) essential criteria and Cambridge-Hopkins diagnostic questionnaire (CH-RLSq) in Korean population sample. Methods: We selected a stratified random population sample of Koreans over age 19 and evaluated them with CH-RLSq to identify RLS. We also assessed RLS prevalence according to IRLSSG criteria using questions in CH-RLSq. Results: The 1-year prevalences of RLS according to CH-RLSq and IRLSSG essential criteria were 0.5% and 5.5%, respectively. Most individuals (93.0%) with RLS according to IRLSSG essential criteria were excluded in RLS diagnosis according to CH-RLSq by reporting muscle cramp (47.7%) or positional discomfort (82.8%). Conclusions: RLS diagnosis according to IRLSSG essential criteria may include individuals reporting similar symptoms of RLS.