Prevalence and Associated Factors of Computer Vision Syndrome Among Academic Staff in the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is the leading occupational hazard of the 21st century, which causes the critical public health issues in the present era. In developing countries, including Ethiopia, data on the proportion and the causes of CVS are scarce among academic staff for policy conclusions. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with CVS among academic staff at the University of Gondar. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March to April, 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 525 study participants. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were then entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 14 software. The association between dependent and independent variables was computed with a binary logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of CVS was found to be 78.8% out of a total of 500 participants [95% CI (74.95, 82.30)], of which the majority (71.60%) of them were males. Using a computer for more than 9 years [AOR = 1.65, 95% CI (1.01, 2.71)], using visual display terminals [AOR = 2.63, 95% CI (1.60, 4.32)], and working in improper illumination levels (300 and >500 lux) [AOR = 2.47, 95% CI (1.47, 4.33)] increased the risk of CVS, whereas, Using eye droplets [AOR = 0.30, 95% CI (0.15, 0.58)] and taking rest breaks [AOR = 0.55, 95% CI (0.34-0.92)] were protective factors. Conclusion: This study disclosed that CVS was common among academicians. In the current study, the manifestation of CVS was affected by years of computer use, visual display terminals use, workplace illumination level, rest breaks, and eye droplets. Taking rest breaks in between the work, reducing exposure to display screens, use of eye drops, and optimizing workplace illumination levels are recommended to reduce the problem.

Digital Eye Strain among Peruvian Nursing Students: Prevalence and Associated Factors

“…Similarly, previous studies reported that the prevalence of this eye problem was higher among students with eye diseases and who wore glasses [ 8 , 9 , 12 , 29 ]. However, this study disagrees with other studies [ 7 , 19 , 24 ]. Something that could explain this discrepancy is that the young university population does not yet have a worn crystalline lens, and therefore, there is an absence of DES; however, this aspect needs to be addressed exhaustively in other research because it is an occupational disease that is not considered a priority but that, with the passage of time, can cause irreversible consequences for vision.…”

“…However, the prevalence of DES that was revealed by this study is lower than that reported in studies that considered the presence of DES with at least one symptom [ 7 , 22 ]. In turn, it is higher compared to studies that considered between six and nine symptoms [ 11 , 13 , 17 , 23 , 24 ]. Nevertheless, the high DES prevalence among Peruvian nursing students reported here is consistent with studies carried out among university students in other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 9 , 17 ] and professionals who worked in front of a computer [ 16 , 22 ].…”

“…This finding confirms that to reduce DES prevalence, not only should awareness of this preventive measure be raised, but also, strategies should be adopted to encourage and monitor its implementation among university students. Although this study did not find breaks to be a DES-preventive factor, several studies that categorized this factor to determine whether participants took breaks or not agreed that taking breaks was a DES-preventive factor [ 18 , 24 , 25 ].…”

“…Based on the findings of this study and the existing scientific evidence from studies conducted with university students [ 7 , 8 , 17 ], it is recommended that people who use electronic devices keep the screen in dull mode, adjust screen/environment brightness to reduce reflection or glare, and have optical compensation with appropriate refractive error correction [ 18 , 24 , 27 ]. Moreover, if ocular or non-ocular symptoms of DES remain, people should request a specialized assessment.…”

Demographic Characteristics and ABO Blood Genotypes Influence Susceptibility to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Lagos, Nigeria

“…Moreover, its symptoms affect almost 70% of all computer users [8]. CVS causes reduced work e ciency and productivity, a higher rate of errors, poor job satisfaction, and a reduced quality of life for the computer worker [11,12]. CVS can reduce productivity by up to 40% [12].…”