Lower Limb Varicose Veins among Nurses: A Single Center Cross-Sectional Study in Mansoura, Egypt

BACKGROUND: Lower limb varicose veins are common among nurses due to occupational and nonoccupational risk factors. AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of lower limbs varicosity and its associated risk factors. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 201 nurses at Mansoura University Hospital from January 1(st) to May 31(st), 2018. METHODS: A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, risk factors for varicose veins, and occupational details. Varicose veins were diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Univariate and logistic regression analyses were done. RESULTS: The prevalence of varicose veins was 18.4%. Significant independent predictors are being ≥25 years old, working in emergency rooms and ICU/operative rooms, and using oral contraceptives with adjusted odds ratios [95% Confidence Interval (CI)] of [8.7 (2.6–28.4)], [10.8 (2.6–45.9)], [16.2 (3.9–67.4)], and [4.2 (1.3–13.2)], respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Independent predictors, other than age, are modifiable and those with highest AOR are occupationally related.