ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF VARICOSE VEINS AND ITS RISK FACTORS AMONG STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY OF LAHORE

Abstract

Background: Varicose veins are a commonly found disorder involving dilated and tortuous superficial veins that tend to affect those who spend long periods of time standing as a part of their occupation. Operation theater workers are one such group that spends prolonged periods of time standing still while performing surgical operations; however, studies have consistently demonstrated that there is low knowledge and awareness concerning the risk factors and prevention of varicose veins among the health care professionals making them vulnerable to this easily preventable disease.

Objective(s): To assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding varicose veins and its risk factors among Students at University of Lahore

Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among 107  Students of The University of Lahore, using a non - probability convenience sampling technique. The data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 26.

Results: The majority of participants belonged to the 18–20 years’ age group (65.4%), followed by 21–23 years (20.6%), 24–26 years (12.1%), and 27–30 years (1.9%). The study included 54 females (50.5%) and 53 males (49.5%), showing an almost equal distribution of gender among participants. Regarding professional designation, surgeons represented the largest group (43.9%), followed by technicians (25.2%), and surgeons (25.2%) then technologists with the lowest (5.6%). 81.3% of participants had heard about varicose veins, whereas 18.7% had no prior awareness. Similar findings have been reported in previous studies, where awareness ranged from 70% to 90% among healthcare workers. Healthcare workers were the major source of information regarding varicose veins (75.9%), followed by media (10.3%), education (8.0%), friends/family (3.4%), and the internet (2.3%). The majority of participants (89.7%) considered varicose veins a serious health condition, whereas only 10.3% did not. 72.9% of participants reported knowing the symptoms of varicose veins, while 27.1% lacked such knowledge. Similar findings have been reported in previous studies, where symptom awareness ranged from 65% to 80%. All participants who were 

aware of varicose veins (100%) stated that they would seek medical care if they noticed symptoms.

The majority of respondents (88.5%) correctly stated that varicose veins can affect individuals under 23 years of age, while 11.5% disagreed. The present study found that 62.6% of participants knew preventive measures for varicose veins, whereas 37.4% lacked such knowledge. A large majority of participants (94.3%) agreed that prolonged standing or sitting can cause varicose veins, while only 5.7% disagreed. 96.6% of participants agreed that obesity increases the risk of varicose veins, while only 3.4% disagreed. 63.2% of participants agreed that family history increases the risk of varicose veins, whereas 36.8% disagreed. 62.6% of participants exercised regularly, while 37.4% did not engage in regular physical activity.

Most participants (77.6%) had participated in health awareness programs, whereas 22.4% had never attended such activities. Gender showed a statistically significant association with awareness (χ²=7.191, p=0.007), with male participants (92.5%) demonstrating higher awareness than female participants (70.4%). Age (p=0.204) and professional designation (p=0.306) showed no statistically significant association with awareness, although surgeons (88.9%) and older age groups showed numerically higher awareness levels compared to other categories.

Conclusion(s): It can be concluded from the study that there is a good level of knowledge and awareness regarding the varicose veins and their related risk factors amongst the Students at University of Lahore. However, educational programs and occupational health interventions should be considered for further improvement.