Computer Vision Syndrome among undergraduate medical students in Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
| Main Authors: | Turki Mohammed Alqarni*, Alhanouf Adel Hadi Hakami**, Mohammed Qassem Dibaji*** |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article Journal |
| Terbitan: |
, 2021
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
https://zenodo.org/record/5456782 |
Daftar Isi:
- Background: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is “a complex of eye and vision problems related to near work experienced during computer use.” The usage of electronic devices is significantly essential for students as a method of studying. Computer vision syndrome It is one of the rising health concerns related to technology (cell phones and tablets) due to continuous use of computers among students. Symptoms of CVS include dry and irritated eyes, eye strain/fatigue, blurred vision, red eyes, burning eyes, excessive tearing, double vision, headache, light/glare sensitivity, slowness in changing focus, and changes in color perception. The mechanism of CVS is a result of people blinking less than usual when concentrating for a long period on visual tasks. This behavior dries up the ocular surface, and along with the prolonged use of the ciliary muscle, the eyes get irritated. Fortunately, CVS does not have any long-term or serious complications since it is only an eye symptom and not a disease. Simply allowing the eyes to focus on a distant object or wearing specific glasses for reading will reduce eye strain. Aim: this study aimed to estimate the prevalence and to assess the risk factors as well as the knowledge about computer vision syndrome among undergraduate medical students. Method: A cross-sectional study conducted in Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia from June 2020 to September 2020. 150 undergraduate medical students from the second to the sixth year were enrolled in the study by nonprobability convenience sampling. An electronic survey adapted from previous literature research on Computer Vision Syndrome used for data collection. Result: A total of 150 participants were invited to participate in the study: 92.67 % (139) of the participants using a computer, tablets or smartphones for studying were included. 11 (7.33%) participants were excluded from the study as they reported that they did not use computers while they are studying. Logistic regression was conducted to assess whether the predictor variables were significantly associated with CVS in the students. Logistic regression analyzes these variables if significantly predicted whether or not a student with computer vision syndrome. When all four predictor variables are considered together, they significantly predict computer vision syndrome among students, (χ2= 14.55, df= 6,N=139,p =0.024. which is < 0.05. Conclusion: Studying from electronic methods led to an increased incidence of CVS, and students using electronic methods had a higher chance of developing CVS. Computer vision syndrome is common among medical students; significant risk factors need to be addressed to reduce the symptom and to ensure a better productivity of work. It is a necessity to raise awareness among medical students regarding computer-related health problems.