Risk assessment of varicose veins among the traffic police of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Varicose veins are swollen, tortuous, and sometimes painful veins that are filled with an abnormal collection of blood. Varicose veins are known to be common among professionals such as teachers, traffic police, nurses, shopkeepers, and bus conductors, who have to stand for a long time daily. Other risk factors include age, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and family history. If left untreated, it can lead to several complications such as ulcers, bleeding, and thromboembolism. Objective: The objective was to assess the risk of varicose veins among traffic police officers of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected by interview technique and observation method which consisted of self-constructed semi-structured questionnaire for sociodemographic data, descriptive rating scales for symptoms, and observational checklist for signs of varicose veins. Nonprobability convenient sampling technique was used. Results: Out of 200 respondents, 24 (12%) were at risk of varicose veins, out of which 22 were male and the rest were female. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that overall risk of varicose vein is 12%, with males accounting for 12.3% and females for 9.5%. In the study, the risk of varicose veins is statistically significantly associated with the family history of varicose vein and smoking.