Distribution of working position among workers with varicose veins based on the National Health Insurance and National Employment Insurance data

Venous disorders as an occupational disease - a systematic review on epidemiology, pathophysiology, and modification strategies

Forced postures are common in the workplace. Work in the primary economic sector is characterised by a high degree of physical activity and movement; however, activities in the secondary and tertiary sectors commonly require workers to stand or sit. An expansion of the tertiary sector in recent decades has meant that people in industrialised and emerging economies primarily sit or stand at work. The aim of the systematic review was to identify occupational factors relating to the presence of chronic venous disease (CVD), to place these in the context of developments in the workplace, and to determine whether measures are in place to prevent CVD. We performed a systematic literature review to analyse studies assessing work-related risk factors for CVD. We searched for publications in the PubMed database, the clinic library of BG Hospital Bergmannstrost Halle, and the registry of the German Statutory Accident Insurance. Using occupation-specific keyword combinations, we identified 27,522 publications. The publications underwent an automatic and manual filtering process according to the PRISMA guidelines and 81 publications qualified for the review. Ultimately 25 studies were included in the systematic review. All of the subjects of the studies worked in the secondary and tertiary sectors. No studies looked at the relationship between venous disorders and primary sector occupations. Standing at work for more than four hours a day, repeated heavy lifting, and cumulative time working in a sitting or standing position are risk factors for the development of CVD. Sitting is less of a risk factor than standing or walking. Occupational history and the patient's activity profile are important diagnostic tools which can help confirm a diagnosis and justify treatment when findings are inconsistent. Compression therapy is the primary form of secondary and tertiary prevention. There continues to be a lack of primary preventive measures related to workplace design.

Factors associated with chronic venous disease: study in 1,136 patients treated for varicose veins of the lower limbs in a specialized clinic

Background

Varicose veins are a highly prevalent condition in the general population, generating variable reasons for consultation that can alter the patient's quality of life, with prevalence and associated factors that vary in different series.

Objectives

To describe the epidemiological profile of patients who consulted for varicose veins by evaluating main symptoms and associated variables.

Methods

Between 2019 and 2020, 1,136 patients attending vascular surgery consultation in a specialized outpatient center were evaluated. Demographic variables, presented symptoms, complications, and associated factors, such as body mass index, parity and family history, were recorded.

Results

A total of 1136 patients were evaluated (79.8% women and 20.2% men), with a mean age of 53.51 years. The presence of symptoms was similar in men and women; the most frequent complications were ulcer, varicorrhage, and superficial venous thrombosis. Most patients showed CEAP 1, 2 and 3 (n = 909) and more than half were overweight or obese (n = 679) with a predominance of those classified as C4. Sixty-nine per cent had a positive family history of varicose veins. There was no difference between severity of varicose veins and time working in the standing or sitting position, but there was a greater presence of C5 or C6 ulcer among patients standing for more than 4 hours.

Conclusions

Describing the characteristics of patients with varicose veins helps to understand the disease and to focus efforts towards those who are more susceptible. The results of this research are similar to those found in other populations.

Factors associated with chronic venous disease: study in 1,136 patients treated for varicose veins of the lower limbs in a specialized clinic

Abstract Background Varicose veins are a highly prevalent condition in the general population, generating variable reasons for consultation that can alter the patient’s quality of life, with prevalence and associated factors that vary in different series. Objectives To describe the epidemiological profile of patients who consulted for varicose veins by evaluating main symptoms and associated variables. Methods Between 2019 and 2020, 1,136 patients attending vascular surgery consultation in a specialized outpatient center were evaluated. Demographic variables, presented symptoms, complications, and associated factors, such as body mass index, parity and family history, were recorded. Results A total of 1136 patients were evaluated (79.8% women and 20.2% men), with a mean age of 53.51 years. The presence of symptoms was similar in men and women; the most frequent complications were ulcer, varicorrhage, and superficial venous thrombosis. Most patients showed CEAP 1, 2 and 3 (n = 909) and more than half were overweight or obese (n = 679) with a predominance of those classified as C4. Sixty-nine per cent had a positive family history of varicose veins. There was no difference between severity of varicose veins and time working in the standing or sitting position, but there was a greater presence of C5 or C6 ulcer among patients standing for more than 4 hours. Conclusions Describing the characteristics of patients with varicose veins helps to understand the disease and to focus efforts towards those who are more susceptible. The results of this research are similar to those found in other populations.

Gender differences and site-specific incident risks of musculoskeletal disorders among 224 506 workers in the food and beverage service industry in Taiwan: A 15-year Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Occupational characteristics in the food and beverage service industry (FBSI) have been found to be associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to examine gender and site-specific incident risks of MSDs among FBSI workers in Taiwan using a national population-based database.

METHODS

We conducted a 15-year population-based cohort study among 224 506 FBSI workers in Taiwan using data from five large nationwide databases to estimate direct standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for identifying specific MSDs related to overexertion and repetitiveness during work. Overall, MSDs risks were also investigated by gender, sub-industrial categories, and certificate types.

RESULTS

We found SIRs for overall MSDs for male and female workers of 1.706 (95% CI, 1.688-1.724) and 2.198 (95% CI, 2.177-2.219), respectively. Our findings indicate significantly increased WMSD risk for both men and women, including median/ulnar nerve disorders (ICD-9 354.0-354.2); spondylosis and allied disorders (ICD-9 721); intervertebral disc disorders (ICD-9 722); disorders of the back (ICD-9 724); peripheral enthesopathies and allied syndromes (ICD-9 726); synovium, tendon, and bursa disorders (ICD-9 727); and soft tissues of the peripheral system disorders (ICD-9 729). Food stall workers and workers with Chinese cuisine or baking licenses were at higher risk among sub-industrial categories and certificate types.

CONCLUSION

This large-scale study revealed that FBSI workers were at higher risk for several MSDs than the general population. This information could help prioritize MSD problems and identify a high-risk population. Relevant policy and ergonomic improvements and interventions could be implemented for health promotion in this industry.