Objective: RLS has an extremely negative effect on the quality of life and sleep patterns of patients (1). In this study, we aimed to analyse the validity and reliability of the RLS-QoL questionnaire in patients with RLS from our Movement Disorders Outpatient Clinic, as well as participants from unpublished prevalence study who agreed to participate in the study. We aimed ensure the feasibility for Turkish society by examining the validity and reliability.

Background: Our aim was to modify the Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life (RLS-QoL) questionnaire advanced by Abetz (Health Qual Life Outcomes 3:79, 2005) and to analyse the validity and reliability of the questionnaire (2,3).

Methods: Two hundred and one consecutive patients with RLS and forty-three control subjects were included in the study. Permission regarding the translation and validation of the RLS-QoL questionnaire was obtained. The translation was conducted according to the guidelines provided by the publisher.

Results: For the RLS subjects, the mean Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score, the International Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Rating Scale (IRLSSG) score and the computed score of the RLS-QoL questionnaire were 22.60 ± 3.39, 24.83 ± 5.28 and 45.93 ± 17.62, respectively. Among the RLS subjects without insomnia, the mean (±standard deviation) ISI score, IRLSSG score and computed score of the RLS-QoL questionnaire were 6.67 ± 2.34, 15.11 ± 4.03 and 41.93 ± 16.12, respectively. A significant difference was identified between both groups on all scores (ISI: p = 0.001, RLS: p = 0.001). The groups with and without insomnia were similar regarding the computed score of the RLS-QoL questionnaire (p = 0.140). According to a correlation analysis, a significant correlation was identified between the ISI and IRLSSG or RLS-QoL scores (r = 0.513, p = 0.001 and r = -0.383, p = 0.001, respectively). Although the coefficient of correlation is significant between IRLSSG score and RLS-QoL scale score, it should not be considered as a powerful enough correlation (r = 0.190, p = 0.007). Most items also exhibited a strong correlation with each other. The internal consistency determined by Cronbach’s alpha indicated an extremely good correlation (0.975).

Conclusions: In conclusion, the Turkish version of the RLS-QoL questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of the quality of life in patients with RLS. It is recommended that additional studies be conducted to implement the scale in broader populations across different group samples.

References: 1-Abetz, L., Arbuckle, R., Allen, R. P., Mavraki, E., & Kirsch, J. (2005). The reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life questionnaire (RLSQoL) in a trial population. Health Qual Life Outcomes, 3, 79. 2- Abetz, L., Vallow, S. M., Kirsch, J., Allen, R. P., Washburn, T., & Earley, C. J. (2005). Validation of the Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life questionnaire. Value in Health, 8(2), 157–167. 3-Available from: http://www.proqolid.org/instruments/restless_ legs_quality_of_life_scale_or_hopkins_rls_quality_of_life_scale_ rls_qol_or_hopkins_rls_qol. Last accessed on May 25, 2012.

« Back to 2018 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/turkish-version-of-the-johns-hopkins-restless-legs-syndrome-quality-of-life-questionnaire-rls-qol-validity-and-reliability-study-2/