Computer vision syndrome and associated factors among academic staff in University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a group of vision and eye problems caused by activities that stress near vision while using computers and digital screens. Computer vision syndrome affects 60 million people worldwide, with a million new cases occurring each year, leading in decreased productivity, a lower quality of life, and a strain on family connections. In Ethiopia, University academic staff are among the risk groups of employees, despite a paucity of data on the syndrome's magnitude and associated factors. Objective: To assess the prevalence of computer vision syndrome and associated factors among academic staff at the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from March 17 to April 17, 2021. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 525 participants. Structured and self-administered questionnaires supplemented by a standardized observational checklist were used to collect the data. The collected data were entered using EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA 14. Descriptive statistics were carried out and presented with narration, tabulation, and graphical presentation. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regressions analysis were performed to identify statistically significant variables at p < 0.05. Results: In this study the response rate was 95.24%. The median (IQR) age of the participants was 30 (6) years and the majority (71.60%) of them were males. The prevalence of computer vision syndrome was 78.80 % (95% CI=74.95, 82.30). Years of computer use (AOR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.71), taking breaks (AOR= 0.55, 95% CI: 0.34 - 0.92), use of other visual display terminals (AOR= 2.63, 95% CI: 1.60, 4.32), use of eye droplets (AOR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.58) and lighting level (AOR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.47, 4.33) were factors associated with computer vision syndrome. Conclusion: The prevalence of computer vision syndrome among University of Gondar academic staff is a common problem. Year of computer use, use of other visual display terminals, and workplace lighting level were found to be risk factors of computer vision syndrome, whereas taking breaks and use of eye droplets were found protective factors. Therefore, taking breaks in between the work, reduce exposure to display screens, use of eye droplets, and optimize workplace lighting levels is imperative to minimize the problem. Keywords: Computer vision syndrome, Academic staff, University of Gondar, Ethiopia