Prevalence of restless legs syndrome and associated factors in rural West African country

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) within the rural population of Adjohoun. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted, with data collected from March 25 to April 10, 2019. RLS was diagnosed when participants met the four diagnostic criteria defined by the International RLS Study Group. Data analysis was performed using R software version 3.5.1. Factors associated with RLS were assessed through logistic regression, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 1655 subjects were interviewed. The prevalence of RLS was 0.97%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) from 0.50 to 1.44. Abdominal obesity was identified as an associated factor, with an odds ratio of 2.9 and a 95% CI of 1.1–8.1. Conclusion: RLS is uncommon in the rural population of Benin, consistent with findings from other studies conducted across Africa. Further research may enhance our understanding of this condition within the people of African descent.