Background: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a complex disorder of eye and vision difficulties linked to the actions which stress the near vision and which are experienced about or during the use of computers. The usage of electronic devices is significantly essential for health care students as a method of studying. This study aimed to assess the effects of CVS among health care professionals who study via electronic methods versus hard copy methods or both.
Methodology: A total of 275 medical students were involved in a cross-sectional study conducted at the King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cluster technique was used, and data were collected through a validated questionnaire during problem-based learning. Data analysis was performed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and a t-test was used for continuous data and chi-square tests for categorical data.
Results: A review of 275 medical students from batch 12, 13, 14, both male and female showed a significant (p = 0.044) association implying the participants' sex affecting the CVS. Furthermore, when the method of study was considered, the participants using electronic devices (70.8%) showed significant (p = 0.032) association with CVS more than the hard copy method (26.6%). Generally, CVS was positive at 69.8%. Also, the most frequent
and intense symptom reported was headache (70%), (22.6%), respectively, and the least frequent was a double vision (30%), and least intense was halos (4%).
Conclusion: Studying from electronic methods led to an increased incidence of CVS, and females using electronic methods had a higher chance of developing CVS.
Key words: Computer vision syndrome (CVS), KSAU-HS, Riyadh, medical students, soft copy, hard copy
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