Experiences of facilitators and barriers for fulfilment of human needs when living with restless legs syndrome: a qualitative study

Figures & data

Table I. Diagnostic criteria established by the international restless legs syndrome study group (2014).

Essential diagnostic criteria
Criteria I	Desire to move arms and legs usually associated with discomfort.
Criteria II	Motor restlessness
Criteria III	Symptoms are worse or exclusively present at rest with at least partial and temporary relief by activity
Criteria IV	Symptoms are worse in the evening/night
Criteria V	The occurrence of these symptoms is not only reported as symptoms primary to another medical/behavioural condition, but may also be secondary to other diseases or conditions

Figure 1. Maslow’s hierarchical pyramid of human needs.

Table II. Socio-demographic and situational data of the patients with RLS (N = 28).

Variables	Value
Gender, female, n (%)	16 (57)
Age (years), mean (range)	67,6 (39–89)
Educational level, n (%)
9 years or below	3 (11)
12–13 years	11 (39)
University	14 (50)
Civil status, n (%)
Married/Living together	20 (71)
Unmarried and living alone	3 (11)
Divorced/widower and living alone	5 (18)
Smoking, n (%)
Yes, n (%)	1 (4)
Alcohol, n (%)
Never uses alcohol	8 (29)
Uses alcohol 2–3 times or more/week	11 (39)
Comorbidity, n (%)
Renal disease	0 (0)
Parkinson’s disease	0 (0)
Multiple sclerosis	0 (0)
Migraine	3 (11)
Iron deficiency	4 (14)
Pharmacological treatment, n (%)
Dopamine agonists	22 (80)
Opioids	8 (29)
α2δ Ligands	7 (25)
Dopa/derivates	5 (20)
Iron supplement	3 (11)

Table III. Examples of questions from the semi-structured interview guide.

Examples of questions	Examples of probing questions
Would you please share your experiences of what a typical day might look for you?	Could you please provide further explanation on the occurrence and experiences of symptoms through the day, fatigue and their effect on mood?
Would you please share your experiences of what a typical night might look for you?	Can you provide further explanation regarding the occurrence and experiences of nocturnal symptoms and how they affect your sleep?
Can you describe how you experiences your life situation with RLS?	Can you explain that further relate to your work, family, social life, health, lifestyle and living conditions?
Can you describe how you perceive the support that has been given to you?	Can you provide further explanation about the specifics of the support you have received, including how it was given, when it was given, and the quality of the support you have received?

Figure 2. Illustration of facilitators and barriers based on Maslow’s physiological needs as described by people living with rest legs syndrome (N = 28).

*Bubble presents quotes from patients.

Figure 3. Illustration of facilitators and barriers based on Maslow’s safety and security needs as described by people living with rest legs syndrome (N = 28).

*Bubble presents quotes from patients.

Figure 4. Illustration of facilitators and barriers based on Maslow’s belongingness and love needs as described by people living with rest legs syndrome (N = 28).

*Bubble presents quotes from patients.

Figure 5. Illustration of facilitators and barriers based on Maslow’s esteem needs as described by people living with rest legs syndrome (N = 28).

*Bubble presents quotes from patients.

Figure 6. Illustration of facilitators and barriers based on Maslow’s self-actualization needs as described by people living with rest legs syndrome (N = 28).

*Bubble presents quotes from patients.