RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Effects of digital devices and online learning on computer vision syndrome in students during the COVID-19 era: an online questionnaire study
JF BMJ Paediatrics Open
JO BMJ Paediatrics Open
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e001429
DO 10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001429
VO 6
IS 1
A1 Kasem Seresirikachorn
A1 Warakorn Thiamthat
A1 Wararee Sriyuttagrai
A1 Ngamphol Soonthornworasiri
A1 Panisa Singhanetr
A1 Narata Yudtanahiran
A1 Thanaruk Theeramunkong
YR 2022
UL http://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/6/1/e001429.abstract
AB 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.Data are available upon reasonable request.