Background: Venous diseases including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency are
one of the most important pathogenic factors worldwide. High prevalence of varicose veins and
its complications is an emerging problem in the twenty-first century. This study aimed to
determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of varicose veins in female hairdressers in
Shahroud, north of Iran in 2012.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 197 employed hairdressers, licensed by the Health
Department of Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were studied. Standard physical
examination was used to check the condition of varicose veins of the lower extremities of
participants. Data were collected by demographic information form. Proportional odds model for
ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between risk factors and status of
varicose disease in subjects.
Results: Prevalence of varicose veins was 47.7%. Varicose veins were significantly associated
with age (OR=1.08; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.13); family history of varicose disease (OR=1.99; 95% CI:
1.03, 3.82), blood pressure (OR=4.41; 95% CI: 1.63, 11.90); and duration of standing (OR=2.34;
95% CI: 1.05, 5.22).
Conclusions: Varicose veins in the legs of female hairdressers had a high prevalence, and it
was associated with increasing age, family history of varicose disease, high blood Pressure, and
prolonged standing.