National health and nutrition education survey on chronic venous insufficiency

Lilibeth Maravilla, Daniel Mercado Medical Center
David Raymund Salvador, Salle University Medical Center
Maria Teresa Abola, University of the Philippines College of Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic venous disease is an under-recognized condition which may result in significant morbidities with considerable costs. There is scarce data on chronic venous disease in the Philippines. Methods: The National Nutrition and Health Survey II was conducted to determine the national prevalence of different risk factors and clinical conditions. The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of chronic venous disease in adults aged 20 years and older using the Southern Tagalog Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (STVIQ). Results: A total of 7,212 subjects, were randomly surveyed. Chronic venous disease has a crude overall prevalence rate of 52.5%, is frequently seen in females (60%) and with increasing age. About 38.6% of the population have typical venous symptoms but only 1.6% have edema, stasis pigmentation and healed venous ulcers. Prevalence of chronic venous disease is not related to urban residence and type of occupation. Conclusion: Chronic venous disease in the Philippines is common, reported in approximately five out of 10 Filipinos, most of whom are asymptomatic.