Jutarat Rakprasit. A study of factors associated with varicose veins among women workers in the electronic factories. Master's Degree(Industrial Hygiene and Safety). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2008.
A study of factors associated with varicose veins among women workers in the electronic factories
Abstract:
This study of the factors associated with varicose veins in women workers in
electronics factories was conducted with a group of female workers from two
electronic factories. The research was designed as a retrospective by case-control study.
The study comprised 82 women with varicose veins and 164 women in a control
group who did not have varicose veins or other venous diseases. The methodology of this
study was designed as a matching technique between the case and control groups.
Each case was matched with the controls who did not have a difference of more than 3
years of age. Physical examinations were performed by specialized physicians in order
to determine the status of the varicose veins. Self-administered questionnaires used in this
study consisted of two types : questionnaires related to factors associated with
varicose veins; and questionnaires related to symptoms and signs of varicose veins.
The results of this study revealed that the prevalence rate of varicose veins
was 32.99% (27.99%-37.99%). Most were primary varicose veins with a severity of
level one. However, the results of symptoms and signs from the questionnaires showed
that there was a positive correlation between frequency, feeling and interference with their
work activities. In order to control the other influencing factors, logistic regression was
used to find the significant influencing factors. These included working posture, a family
history of varicose veins, whether the women had had more than one child, and whether
they tended to lift heavy weights.
The result of this study suggests that information about risk factors of varicose
veins should be provided to female workers so that they can be made more aware of
their health while working.