Journal of Health Sciences & Surveillance System

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Varicose Veins among Nurses in Critical Care Units at Hospitals in South Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Israa Saleh 1
Ali Hussein Abbas 2
Saad Sabri Shamkh 3

1 Department Adult Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Al-Muthanna

2 Department of Family and Community Health Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Al-Muthanna

3 Department of Family and Community Health Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Misan

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2025.107753.2092
Abstract
Background: Varicose veins are a vascular disease that can lead to serious complications for the cardiovascular system due to damage to the veins. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of varicose veins among nurses and to determine the most influential risk factors.
Methods: A non-probability (purposive) sample of 151 nurses from critical care units was selected. A questionnaire was used to conduct interviews and gather data, which were then subjected to both inferential and descriptive statistical analysis.
Results: Most participants were aged (22–27) years 51.7%. The sample was predominantly male (88) nurses 58.3%, and years of experience ranged from (1–25) years, with (1–5) years being the most common 60.9%. Participants had nearly equal average standing hours. Most nurses had normal weight, numbering (83) representing a percentage of 55%, were non-smokers (114) 75.5%, and had no family history of varicose veins (111) nurses, representing a percentage of 73.5%. Varicose vein prevalence among critical care nurses was 17.9%. Advanced age, female gender, and positive family history were significant risk factors, while varicose veins showed no relationship with body mass index, working hours, or smoking, indicating further investigation 
is needed.
Conclusion: The study found that influential factors affecting nurses working in critical care units of South-Iraqi hospitals include age, gender, and family history, while other factors such as body mass index, working hours, and smoking were not found to have a significant impact.

Keywords

Prevalence
Risk factors
Varicose vein
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Journal of Health Sciences & Surveillance System
Volume 14, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 178-184

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