Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and awareness of varicose veins (VVs) among female schoolteachers in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire among female schoolteachers in Saudi Arabia.
Results: A total of 167 (20.7%) of the teachers were diagnosed with VVs, and 297 (36.8%) had a family history of VV. Regarding hormonal therapy, it was reported among 163 (20.2%) teachers, 187 (23.2%) used contraceptives and 143 (17.7%) were menopausal. A total of 709 (88%) worked 4-8 hours daily, and 438 (54.3%) stood for 4-8 hours at work. The most commonly reported risk factors for VV were standing for a long period (89.2%) and obesity (71%). Furthermore, the study reported overall a good awareness level among 460 (57.1%) of teachers.
Conclusion: It was found that over half of the participants were well aware of VV and their risk factors. It was recommended to increase awareness of VV through community-based medical health educational campaigns across Saudi Arabia.

Key words: Varicose veins, venous insufficiency, schoolteachers, prevalence, Saudi Arabia