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
