Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome and Associated Factors among Postgraduate Students at University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Computer vision syndrome is one of the major public health problems. However, the prevalence and associated factors were unknown among postgraduate students, making provision and intervention treatment more difficult. This study was intended to fill this gap. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaire. The data were entered into epidemiological information version 7 and exported to SPSS for analysis. p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 359 students participated in this study, with a response rate of 96.38%. The prevalence of computer vision syndrome was 84.4% (95% CI, 80.10-88.00). Students who used a computer for more than 4.6 hours per day (AOR: 3.763, 95% CI : 1.732, 8.176), the position of computer (AOR: 3.949, 95% CI: 1.308,11.921), using a computer without a break (AOR: 2.891, 95% CI: 1.397, 5.985), presence of glare on a computer (AOR: 3.864, 95% CI: 1.601,9.329), and older age (AOR=3.295, 95% CI: 1.245, 8.722) and (AOR: 4.828, 95% CI: 1.121, 20.797) were statistically associated with computer vision syndrome. Conclusion: In this study, the most common symptoms were blurred vision, eye irritation, and headache. Age, time spent on computer, the habit of taking a break, the level of computer and presence of glare were associated with the development of CVS.