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 1st to May 31st, 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]