A Study to Assess the Prevalence, Risk Factors and Preventive Practices of Varicose Vein among the Staff Nurses Working in Selected Hospitals of Kamrup (M), Assam

Varicose veins have been recognized as chronic disorder since ancient times. Varicose veins are tortuous, distended and bulging veins (varicosities) beneath the skin of the legs. Nurses are at a greater risk of developing varicose vein in their lifetime which they are always neglecting. It has a great effect on the lower limbs. This descriptive study involved a total of 185 staff nurses with presence or absence of varicose vein along with possible risk factors and preventive practices adopted by them assessed in seven selected hospitals of Kamrup (M), Assam. Statement:“A Study to Assess the Prevalence, Risk Factors and Preventive Practices of Varicose Vein among the Staff Nurses Working in Selected Hospitals of Kamrup (M), Assam”. Materials and Methods: A quantitative survey approach with descriptive correlational survey design was considered to be appropriate for this study. The setting chosen was seven randomly selected hospitals of Kamrup (M), Assam and a total of 185 subjects who met the inclusion criteria were chosen by using proportionate simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed in terms of descriptive and inferential statistics using the SPSS version 21.Result: The findings of the study revealed that prevalence of varicose vein was 9.2 percent. Among the risk factors of varicose vein predominantly seen was working in prolonged standing position(79.5%) which had a positive impact on developing varicose vein. Regarding different preventive practices of varicose vein, majority of staff nurses (89.2%) were wearing flat shoes. Again according to the level of preventive practices majority of the staff nurses (60%) had moderately adequate level of practice. Other major findings were significant relationship found between prevalence of varicose vein and family history [OR= 6.65, 95% CI 2.23-19.87], history of pregnancy/delivery [OR= 4.00, 95% CI1.35-11.89], prolonged standing [OR= 2.12, CI 95% 1.46-9.68], less physical activity[OR= 7.68, 95% CI 1.70-34.63],overweight [OR= 4.20, 95% CI 1.46-12.10] and high blood pressure [OR= 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.93]. However, among all the preventive practices OR showed that prevalence of varicose was 2.31 times higher in the subjects who were not maintaining BMI in normal range. Study also revealed significant association between prevalence of varicose vein and demographic variables i.e., age [χ(2df) =32.062;P= 0.003], marital status [χ(1df) =15.119; P=0.004], Weight (Kg)[χ(3df) =9.559; P= 0.023], BMI, [χ(1df) =23.74; P=0.00014], shift duty hours per day [χ(1df) =6.992; P=0.008] and total years of clinical experience [χ(2df) =11.273; P=0.009]. Present study also reported significant association between preventive practices towards varicose vein among the staff nurses with marital status [χ(2df) =22.45; P=0.0013] and BMI [χ(2df) =12.092; P=0.002]. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated prevalence of varicose vein among the staff nurses was almost equal with the worldwide prevalence rate and prolonged standing positionwas most frequently found predominant risk factor. Most common preventive practices as observed in the study were using flat shoes, maintain normal body weight and avoid prolonged standing. However, maximum subjects adopted moderately adequate preventive practices. This study indicated that nurses can modify and improve their working condition as well as they may follow correct practices to prevent varicose vein so that they can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Therefore planned teaching programme and appropriate strategies on prevention of varicose vein are highly recommended in the setting in order to impart adequate knowledge to prevent development of varicose vein.