| dc.description.abstract | Introduction:Computer Vision Syndrome is an emerging global occupational health challenge. Computer Vision Syndrome has been noted to affect individuals that are employed or being educated in IT-related fields the most. The development of Computer Vision Syndrome poses a threat to the ocular, visual and musculoskeletal systems of its victims. The ICT sector in Uganda is growing steadily and computer use is increasing with its growth. This growth continuously increases the susceptibility of IT professionals and students to Computer Vision Syndrome.
Objectives:To determine the prevalence of computer related vision impairment and associated factors amongst students enrolled at the Makerere University School of Computing and Informatics Technology.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which employed quantitative data collection methods. Data was collected using an online self-administered semi-structured questionnaire among 267 students enrolled at the Makerere University School of Computing and Informatics Technology during the 2022/2023 academic year. Data was then exported to STATA for univariable and bivariable analysis. For categorical variables, data was tabulated and presented using frequencies and percentages while continuous variables were tabulated and presented using mean and standard deviation. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association between independent categorical variables and the outcome variables. The outcomes of bivariable analysis were presented as crude odds ratios (COR), with 95% confidence interval and p-values.
Results: Overall, the prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome was 82.4% (220/267). Most (70.8%, 189/267) participants reported experiencing ocular, visual and asthenopic Computer Vision Syndrome while using a computer. Headache was the most commonly experienced symptom, reported by 135/267 (50.6%) participants. Over 60% (165/267) of the participants reported experiencing extraocular Computer Vision Syndrome while using a computer, with back pain as the most commonly reported symptom (43.8%, 117/267). This study revealed that course of study [COR= 0.4, 95% CI (0.22 – 0.72)], light regulation in classrooms mechanisms [COR= 0.31, 95% CI (0.11 – 0.92) p = 0.035], workstation design in classrooms were significantly associated with extraocular Computer Vision Syndrome among the students enrolled at the Makerere University School of Computing and Informatics Technology. Pursuing Bachelor of Information Systems and Technology [COR= 0.4, 95% CI (0.22 – 0.72)] and using a chair only [COR= 0.2, 95% CI (0.03 – 0.81)] were associated with lower proportions of extraocular Computer Vision Syndrome. On the other hand, light regulation [COR= 0.31, 95% CI (0.11 – 0.92) p = 0.035] was associated with higher self-reported cases of ocular, visual and asthenopic Computer Vision Syndrome.
Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome among the students and classroom design was the major determining factor, especially light regulation and workstation design in the classrooms. Therefore, a lot more effort should be placed in redesigning classrooms, with emphasis on furniture and lighting properties. Furthermore, the administration of the Makerere University School of Computing and Informatics Technology ought to conduct risk communication regularly to better equip students with knowledge on how to reduce the risk of Computer Vision Syndrome. | en_US |
