Effects of digital devices and online learning on computer vision syndrome in students during the COVID-19 era: an online questionnaire study
2
Issued Date
2022-06-09
Resource Type
eISSN
23999772
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85132116736
Journal Title
BMJ Paediatrics Open
Volume
6
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
BMJ Paediatrics Open Vol.6 No.1 (2022)
Suggested Citation
Seresirikachorn K., Thiamthat W., Sriyuttagrai W., Soonthornworasiri N., Singhanetr P., Yudtanahiran N., Theeramunkong T. Effects of digital devices and online learning on computer vision syndrome in students during the COVID-19 era: an online questionnaire study. BMJ Paediatrics Open Vol.6 No.1 (2022). doi:10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001429 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/85796
Title
Effects of digital devices and online learning on computer vision syndrome in students during the COVID-19 era: an online questionnaire study
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Purpose Computer vision syndrome (CVS) describes a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged digital device use. This study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of CVS among students during the lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional, online, questionnaire-based study performed among high school students in Thailand. Results A total of 2476 students, with mean age of 15.52±1.66 years, were included in this study. The mean number of hours of digital device use per day (10.53±2.99) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with before its advent (6.13±2.8). The mean number of hours of online learning was 7.03±2.06 hours per day during the pandemic. CVS was found in 70.1% of students, and its severity correlated with both the number of hours of online learning and the total number of hours of digital device usage (p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors associated with CVS included age ≤15 years (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.17), overall digital device usage >6 hours per day (AOR=1.91), online learning >5 hours per day (AOR=4.99), multiple digital device usage (AOR=2.15), refractive errors (AOR=2.89), presence of back pain (AOR=2.06) and presence of neck pain (AOR=2.36). Conclusions The number of hours of digital device usage increased during lockdown. Over 70% of children had CVS, whose associated factors, including hours of digital device usage, hours of online learning, ergonomics and refractive errors, should be adjusted to decrease the risk of acquiring this condition. Online learning will remain, along with CVS, after this pandemic, and we hope our research will be taken into account in remodelling our education system accordingly.