Prevalence of varicose veins among hospital employees

Background: Standing and sitting is a natural human posture. Working in a standing position on a regular basis can cause sore feet, swelling of the legs, varicose veins, general muscular fatigue, low back pain, stiffness in the neck and shoulders and other health problems. Aims and Objectives: To assess the prevalence, to identify the risk, to find out the association between the prevalence and risk with variables and to identify the deficit areas of knowledge in view to prepare a pamphlet for early detection & prevention of varicose veins. Methodology: An exploratory quantitative approach and non-experimental research design were adopted for the study. The sample size was 200 hospital employees comprising of surgeons, staff nurses, laboratory technicians and ward attendants (50) each were selected by purposive sampling technique. A structured questionnaire and physical examination performa was prepared after extensive review of literature and expert’s opinion. Pilot study reliability 0.8 was calculated. The data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings of the study were 8% of staff nurses & 4% ward attendants had high prevalence, 2% high risk was present among ward attendants. According to risk variables Age Professional experience, BMI and Gender had association among employees. Deficits were found among management of varicose veins. Conclusion: Findings shows that staff nurses and ward attendants had high prevalence. According to rank order majority of the employees had visibility of signs. Among ward attendants 2% high risk was found. Knowledge deficits were found among management areas.