ASSESSMENT OF PATIENTS' KNOWLEDGE REGARDING VARICOSE VEINS DISEASE

Abstract

This study aims to present a complete epidemiological overview of the knowledge of patients about varicose vein disease in the city of Vlore. The study summarized all cases diagnosed by the angiologist, identifying risk factors, different age groups, surgical intervention, complications, and progress of these patients. In this cross-sectional study, we included 600 patients diagnosed with varicose veins. The patients participating in the study completed a questionnaire with questions divided into several sections. The first part belonged to questions about demographic data; the second part was related to the recognition of risk factors by sick patients; and finally, there was a section of questions related to surgical intervention for varicose veins. Regarding the age group, it turned out that patients with varicose veins belong to different age groups. 2.7% of patients belonged to the age group of 20–24 years. The age group of 61–65 years old made up 8.3% of the sample, and 6.5% were those patients in the age group over 65 years old. 32.5% of the sample belonged to the male gender, and 67.5% belonged to the female gender. Regarding hereditary as a risk factor, 4.17% of those who do not consider heredity an important factor belong to the age group of 56–60 years. There are only 30.8% of patients who stated that they underwent a surgical intervention. 69.2% have not done such a thing. The patients with varicose veins were of different age groups. According to the patient's point of view, there are several main factors that could cause the disease of varicose veins. Among the most important factors, it is worth mentioning heredity, hypertension, and pregnancy. Regarding the consequences caused by the disease of varicose veins, patients have clearly stated that phlebitis is an inflammation that occurs frequently. Since surgical intervention is considered an effective solution to treat vein disease, some patients have undergone surgery. Those patients who underwent surgery have been diagnosed with this disease for more than a year and belong to the age group of 56–60 years.