Health-related quality of life associated with nocturnal leg cramps in primary care: a mixed methods study. (19th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sebo, Paul; Haller, Dagmar M; Kaiser, Céline; Zaim, Armita; Heimer, Olivier; Chauveau, Nicolas; Maisonneuve, Hubert
• Is Part Of: Family practice. Volume 39:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2021-07-19
• Subjects: Health-related quality of life -- HRQol -- mixed-methods study -- nocturnal leg cramps -- primary care -- SF-36; Primary care (Medicine) -- Periodicals; Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmab082
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2136

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Although nocturnal leg cramps are common, little research is available about their impact on quality of life. This mixed-methods study explored the impact of nocturnal leg cramps on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: The study included primary care patients (>50 years) who reported suffering from nocturnal leg cramps (2016–2017). In the quantitative phase, patients completed a questionnaire about their HRQoL (SF-36) and the frequency of their cramps, and we computed the SF-36 scores. Then, we conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with patients with various levels of HRQol to explore their perception of the impact of cramps on their lives. Results: A total of 114 patients (49%) agreed to participate in the quantitative study (mean age: 71, women: 62%) and 15 patients were included in the qualitative study (mean age: 69, women: 67%). The number of cramps in the previous week was low (mean: 1.6 (SD 1.5)). The SF-36 mean physical and mental summary scores were 43 and 50, respectively, and the domain scores were similar to a comparative general population. Whilst some patients reported little interference with their daily lives, others reported a major decrease in their HRQoL. SF-36 scores were not sufficient to describe the cramp-related impairment, as patients from all levels of SF-36 scores reported major impacts of NLC in the interviews. Conclusions: Some patients describe a specific impact of cramps on their lives, regardless of their HRQoL. These patients should be the target of future intervention trials.