Chronic venous disorders and occupation

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Abstract
Background Chronic venous disorders in the general population are a significant socio‐medical pathology. The importance and role of venous pathologies in the occupational field are underestimated and the data in the literature are incomplete and contradictory. Methods A study was made of 336 male workers: 112 industry workers, 120 stoneworkers, and 104 office workers. A targeted questionnaire was administered to all workers regarding occupational and extraoccupational risk factors for venous pathologies. The same workers were clinically examined, and a venous check‐up and specific tests were done in clinostatic and orthostatic postures. Results The prevalence of chronic venous disorders, including major and minor pathology, was significantly higher among industrial workers (39.28%) than among stoneworkers (24.16%, P=.019) and office workers (22.11%, P=.010). Only for major pathology was the mean age higher in phlebopathic workers than in non‐phlebopathic; furthermore, the proportion of workers standing for ≥50% of the work shift was higher in phlebopathic than in non‐phlebopathic. These differences were significant in all working groups. The results showed a positive relationship between the prevalence of phlebopathy and increased age and number of hours spent standing. Considering workers of the same age classes, a higher prevalence of phlebopathy was found between those who stood for ≥50% of their shift and those who stood for <50% of the time. Conclusions The results suggest that professions involving standing, particularly for those standing for ≥50% of the shift, can influence the development of chronic venous disorders and a diagnostic clinical protocol to be used by occupational physicians in screening working populations for the prevention of venous disease is suggested. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:653–665, 1999.

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