RISK FACTORS OF VARICOSE VEINS AMONG SECURITY GUARDS

Introduction: The people who are involved with prolonged sitting or standing in their day to day activities tend to have an increased risk for varicose veins. The objective of the study was to identify the risk factors of varicose veins among security guards. Methods: A cross sectional study was done among 150 security guards working in Udupi District with a minimum of one year experience were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Interview method was used to identify the risk factors of varicose veins among the security guards. Results: The study result shows that out of 150 security guards, 5.3% had family history of varicose veins, only 6% had taken treatment for vein problem, 56.7% of them maintained standing position during their work and had habit of smoking 32.7%, history of consuming alcohol 40.7%, history of constipation 23.3%, not doing exercises daily 65.3%, no habit of using the stockings 87.3%, no habit of elevating the legs while sleeping 95.3%. Conclusion: The present study identified some of the risk factors of varicose veins among the security guards which gives the input for the health workers to educate the security guards and motivate them to follow the healthy habits to prevent further complications.