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: , 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.