Prevalence of foot varicose veins in hairdressers and some related factors in Gonabad

 Physical postures at work and occupational conditions are among the important risk factors that increase the prevalence of varicose veins. These include prolonged standing and tedious postures that are unavoidable in the hairdressing profession. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the prevalence of foot varicose veins and occupational and demographic factors in hairdressers.

 This cross-sectional-correlational study was conducted on 90 hairdressers in Gonabad in 2015. The participants were selected using a random method. After completing the demographic information questionnaire, the samples were examined according to CEAP criteria (clinical findings, etiology, anatomical findings, and pathophysiology). The collected data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher, and independent t-tests using SPSS software version 20 at a significance level of p <0.05.

 Out of 90 patients, 45 were male, and 45 were female, and (77.8%) had an average working time of more than 6 hours. Most of the men (51.1%) and women (53.3%) had varicose veins of the lower extremities of both limbs. The relationship between varicose veins of hairdressers and education (P = 0.031), work experience (P = 0.043), regular exercise (p = 0.012), smoking (P = 0.009) was significant.

 The present study results indicate the high prevalence of lower limb varicose veins in hairdressers. This disorder causes many mental and physical disorders and ultimately affects the individualchr('39')s work efficiency, so controlling risk factors and preventing this complication in hairdressers seems necessary.