Prerequisites for self-care actions in individuals with restless legs syndrome-A deductive qualitative analysis based on the COM-B model.

Abstract

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) affects 3% of the world's population, causing tingling sensations primarily in the legs. Incorporating self-care activities could improve the management of RLS symptoms, yet knowledge about effective self-care actions is limited. This study employs the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model to explore self-care behaviours in individuals with RLS, as research in this area is sparse. Qualitative content analysis of interviews with 28 participants with RLS, 26 subcategories emerged, aligning with the COM-B model's components. The first part, Capability, highlighted the importance of being able to be in motion, while the second, Opportunity referred to situations where there was a lack of trust and guidance for self-care. The third part, Motivation, emphasised the importance of fixed routines of sleep, rest, and activity. These identified prerequisites can inform the development of screening instruments and patient-reported outcome measures to evaluate self-care needs and interventions for individuals with RLS.