Global prevalence and risk factors of varicose veins among health care workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aims: To explore the global prevalence of varicose veins among healthcare workers and their associated risk factors.

Background: Varicose veins are a common occupational disease among healthcare staff. To enhance the occupational health of this population, it is necessary to understand their prevalence and risk factors.

Methods: We searched databases including Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL. We used random-effects meta-analyses to estimate the pooled prevalence of varicose veins and associated risk factors (odds ratios) and conducted a narrative synthesis.

Key findings: A meta-analysis comprising 9 studies revealed that the global prevalence of varicose veins among healthcare workers is 25% (95% CI, 18-31%). Subgroup analyses indicated that the highest prevalence, at 28% (95% CI, 9-47%), was in Middle East and North Africa. Compared with other methods, detection methods that include Doppler ultrasound examination and physical examination using the CEAP classification, along with questionnaire surveys, have both reported a higher prevalence rate of 28%. Additionally, the prevalence in developing countries, at 29% (95% CI, 19-38%), exceeds that in developed countries. The identified risk factor associated with the development of varicose veins among healthcare workers include female (OR = 3.29, 95%CI, 1.77-6.13), family history (OR = 1.86, 95%CI, 1.53-2.58) and being parous (OR = 1.75, 95%CI, 1.21-2.53).

Conclusion: Healthcare workers have a high prevalence of varicose veins, and hospital managers can take proactive measures against the identified risk factors to reduce the risk of disease and ensure the safety of medical care.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.