VISIONARY LEARNERS, VULNERABLE EYES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME IN UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN
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Keywords
Computer vision syndrome, Digital eye strain, medical students, visual/eye health
Abstract
Background: In this age of digitalization, no field or person can deny the usage of digital devices. These devices are no doubt making the office work and socializing easy, but they are doing this somewhat at the cost of our visual health.
Aim: The aim of this study is to check the prevalence of computer vision syndrome in medical students and its associated factors.
Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted at Sahiwal medical college during the month of June,2024. After taking ethical approval from institutional ethical review board and having informed consent of the study participants, a validated questionnaire was shared with them through WhatsApp as google forms. Data was collected and analysis was done using IMB SPSS software version 26.
Results: As per our calculated sample size, 371 students participated in our study, out of them 208(56.1%) were females and 163(43.9%) were males. Overall, 266(71.7%) students were suffering from computer vision syndrome. Females have a comparatively higher prevalence 161(43%) of CVS than males (p value=0.006). most of the students 197(53.1%) were using digital devices at the day time/mid-day. The occurrence of musculoskeletal pains due to digital device use was comparatively more in females than male students (p-value=0.041). There is a significant correlation between occurrence of CVS and adjustment of lighting at workspace while using digital devices (p-value=0.014). Musculoskeletal pains were also associated with computer vision syndrome (p-value=0.001).
Conclusion: Majority of students are suffering from computer vision syndrome, with females having high number. Steps should be taken to minimize digital device usage by medical students in order to prevent their visual health.
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Noor ul Huda
2nd Year MBBS Student, Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal, Pakistan
Menahal
4th Year MBBS Student, Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal, Pakistan
Taha Ashfaq
2nd Year MBBS student, Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal, Pakistan
Sidra Parveen
4th Year MBBS Student, Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal, Pakistan
Yousaf Mahmood
3rd Year MBBS Student, Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal, Pakistan
Dr Asma Shaheen
Woman Medical Officer (WMO), Women Shelter home GMabad, Faisalabad.