A survey of self-reported varicose veins with prior clinical diagnosis among adults residing in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study examining associated factors.

Abstract

Background: Varicose veins are a common manifestation of chronic venous diseases. Despite their clinical and occupational relevance, epidemiological data from the United Arab Emirates remains limited. This study estimated the prevalence of self-reported clinically-diagnosed varicose veins and examined the associated factors among adults residing in the UAE.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted across all seven emirates of the UAE between June 2025 and April 2026. A total of 1,043 eligible participants residing in the UAE were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling technique, and findings should be interpreted as preliminary and non-generalizable. The prevalence of varicose veins was estimated based on self-reported prior clinical diagnosis. Data was analyzed using SPSS (v29), associations with demographic, lifestyle, and medical factors were assessed using Pearson's chi-square tests and logistic regression models.

Results: Among surveyed adults in the UAE, 15.05% self-reported a prior clinical diagnosis of varicose veins; this figure reflects the study sample only and should not be interpreted as a population-representative prevalence. Most participants correctly identified varicose veins. Advancing age, body mass index, prolonged standing, and positive family history of the disease were significantly associated with higher odds (p < .001).

Conclusion: These findings provide preliminary, non-generalizable evidence on self-reported previously diagnosed varicose veins among the surveyed convenience sample of adults in the UAE. The condition represents a notable concern within the study population, and the results are hypothesis-generating, emphasizing the need for targeted early diagnosis among high-risk individuals, while also highlighting the need for clinically validated, probability-based population studies in the UAE.