Knowledge Regarding Risk Factors and Preventive Measures of Varicose Vein among Intensive Care Unit Staff Nurses

Background: Varicose vein has disturbed humans since ancient days as a chronic disorder. According to the current statistics given by the Express health care, approximately 2.7 million people worldwide suffer with varicose veins. If left untreated and undiagnosed, varicose veins can end up with pooling of blood in the venous system and further complications.

Aim and Objectives: Aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of staff nurses regarding risk factors and preventive measures of varicose vein. The study objectives were to assess the knowledge of staff nurses working in intensive care units regarding risk factors and preventive measures of varicose vein, to develop an evidence-based information booklet for staff nurses regarding prevention of varicose veins and to find out the association between the knowledge scores of staff nurses regarding risk factors and preventive measures of varicose vein with selected demographic variables.

Materials and methods: A quantitative research approach with a non-experimental descriptive survey research design was used to select 60 staff nurses working in the ICUs using convenience sampling method. The data was collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire developed by the researchers. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS.

Results: The study results showed that 53% of the staff nurses had adequate knowledge scores regarding the risk factors and preventive measures of varicose veins whereas 30% had moderate knowledge, and 17 % had inadequate knowledge scores. Significant association was found between demographic variables such as age, experience and education of staff nurses with their knowledge scores.

Conclusion: Approximately only half of the study participants had adequate knowledge regarding risk factors and preventive measures of varicose vein. Hence it is recommended that extensive educational sessions to be conducted for further enhancement of awareness of staff nurses related to prevention and management of varicose veins.