A Study to Assess the Level of Knowledge regarding Computer Vision Syndrome among Engineering Students in A Selected College at Kottayam

 

Ms. Amala George¹, Ms. Amala Thomas¹, Ms. Archana S Nair¹, Ms. Blessy Varghese¹, Ms. Josna Joseph¹, Ms. Maria Subash¹, Ms. Rosemary Joseph¹,

Sr. Starly SVM², Mrs. Melvi Thomas³

¹Third Year B.Sc. Nursing Students, Little Lourdes College of Nursing, Kidangoor, Kerala.

²Professor, Little Lourdes College of Nursing, Kidangoor, Kerala.

 

ABSTRACT:

Computer Vision Syndrome, also referred to as digital eye strain, describes a group of eye and vision related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use. Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods. The level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of digital screen use. The study aims to assess the level of knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome among engineering students. The present study was done to assess the level of knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome among engineering students and to identify the association with selected socio-demographic variables. The sample consisted of 30 engineering students selected by convenience sampling technique. The design use was descriptive design with quantitative approach. Structured questionnaire on socio-demographic data and computer vision syndrome were used to assess the sample characteristics and level of knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome. The findings of the study were that majority (70%) of students were having average knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome. The study revealed that there was no significant correlation between the knowledge of engineering students regarding computer vision syndrome and the demographic variables. Thus the present study showed that, the knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome is independent of selected demographic variables.

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

Computer vision syndrome, also referred to as digital eye strain, describes a group of eye and vision related problems that result from prolonged computer tablet, e-reader and cell phone use.

 

CVS is caused by the increased demands of computer-generated images on eyes and visual systems and by the prolonged and repetitive nature of computer work. Our eyes have little problem focusing on most printed material, which is characterised by dense black characters with well-defined edges. Characters on a computer screen, however don`t have the same high contrast or well-defined borders. The luminous elements that create images on a computer screen are brightest at the centre and diminished in intensity toward their edges. This makes it more difficult for the eyes to focus accurately on computer generated images compared with images printed with ink in a book or magazine.

 

As our eyes struggles to gain and maintain focus on images on a computer screen, this continuous flexing to the eyes focusing muscles creates fatigue and the burning, tired-eyes feeling that is so common after long hours at the computer.^[5]

 

NEED FOR THE STUDY:

American optometric association (AOA) defines CVS as “complex of eye and vision problems related to near work, which are experienced during or related to computer use.” Most studies indicate that video display terminal (VDT) operators report more eyes related problems than non VDT office workers. The cause for the inefficiencies and the visual symptoms are a combination of individual visual problems and poor office ergonomics^.2

 

The rapid advancement in technology and popularization of various gadgets and their application have make rapid changes in the exposed profiles of the population at work, at school, at home, and in leisure over a few decades. Millions of people including children, college students are using computers for prolonged hours, therefore it is important to examine the potential effect on health after posture.^[2]

 

PROBLEM STATEMENT:

A study to assess the level of knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome among engineering students in a selected college at Kottayam.

 

OBJECTIVES:

1.     To assess the level of knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome among engineering students.

2.     To find out the association between the level of knowledge and selected demographic variables.

 

OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS:

Operational definition:

Operational Definition is defined as a concept or variable in terms of the procedure by which it is to be measured. [Polit and Beck].

 

Assess:

It is the activity to estimate the knowledge of Engineering students regarding computer vision syndrome.

 

Knowledge:

The level of awareness of Engineering students regarding computer vision syndrome and in this study knowledge is the total score obtained on a structured knowledge questionnaire on computer vision syndrome

 

Engineering students:

In this study it refers to the first year Engineering students of College of Engineering, Kidangoor.

 

Computer Vision Syndrome:

It is a condition resulting from focusing the eyes on computer or other display device for protracted, uninterrupted period of time and the eye muscles being unable to recover from the strain due to lack of adequate sleep.

 

Demographic Variables:

It refers to the personal variables of the first year Engineering students such as age, sex, marital status.

 

HYPOTHESIS:

A statement of predicted population parameters or relationship between variables. [Polit and Beck]

H₀:   There is no association between the level of knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome among Engineering students with the selected demographic variables.

H₁:   There is an association between level of knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome among Engineering students with the selected demographic variables.

 

ASSUMPTIONS:

·       The Engineering students may have basic knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome

·       The knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome and its associated risk factors will help the Engineering students to prevent the occurrence of computer vision syndrome.

 

DELIMITATION:

The study is limited to;

Ø The study involves only 30 sample.

·       The study is limited to only to first year Engineering students of Engineering college Kidangoor.

·       Convenient sampling limits the generalization of finding.

 

REVIEW OF LITEARATURE:

1.     A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of computer vision syndrome symptoms knowledge and practice of computer use in students studying in different Universities in Malaysia, and to evaluate the association of various factors in computer use with the occurrence of symptoms The study was conducted in a total of 795 students aged between 18 and 25 years, from 5 Universities in Malaysia were surveyed^{. [3]}

2.   A study was conducted to describe the prevalence of computer vision syndrome and its associated factors among a nationally representative sample of Sri Lankan computer workers The sample size was 2210. The duration of occupation and pre-existing eye disease were significantly associated with the presence of severe CVS^.[4]

3.   A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among Engineering students of Hyderabad, Telangana and to determine factors related to computer vision syndrome among study population. The study was carried out from March to June 2017 among students of an Engineering College in Hyderabad, Telangana. A convenient sample of 300 students was taken and pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain information^[1].

 

METHODOLOGY:

Research Design:

In this study, descriptive research design is used.

 

Setting of the study:

The study was conducted in College of Engineering, Kidangoor.

 

Population of the study:

In this study, the population are the Engineering students.

 

Sample:

In this study, the samples are the first year Engineering students in College of Engineering, Kidangoor.

 

Sample size:

In this study, the sample size is 30.

 

Criteria for Sample Selection:

Inclusion criteria:

Ø Students who are,

·        Willing to participate in the study.

·        Using computers on a regular basis.

 

Exclusion criteria:

Ø Engineering students,

·      Those who are not willing to participate in the study.

·      Those who do not know to read the language English.

 

Sampling Techniques:

Sampling technique used in this study is convenient method. The data was organized and presented under the following heading.

 

TOOL

The data was organized and presented under the following heading

 

SECTION: I

Description of engineering students according to demographic variables

SECTION: II

Distribution of Engineering students according to the knowledge score on computer vision syndrome

 

SECTION: II

Association between the knowledge level of engineering students and selected demographic variable.

 

SCORE INTERPRETATION:

Based on the score obtained the samples were graded into three categories:

·       Poor = 0

·       Average = 21

·       Good = 9

 

RESULTS:

·       Majority of samples 30 (100%) were belonged to the age group 16 to 20 years.

·       It is found that 0% have good knowledge regarding CVS and the average knowledge level is 70% and the poor knowledge level is 30%.

·       It is found that there is no significant relationship between the knowledge level and selected demographic variables such as age, gender and marital status.

 

CONCLUSION:

Following conclusion was drawn from the study. The study was aimed to assessthe knowledge level regarding CVS among Engineering studentsin selected Engineering colleges, Kidangoor, and it is found that according to age group, 70% (16-20 years) had average knowledge and 30% (16-20 years) had poor knowledge.According to gender, 26.6% (male) and 43.3% (female) had average knowledge and 20% (male) and 10% (female) had poor knowledge. According to marital status 3.3% (married) and 66.6% (unmarried) had average knowledge and 30% (unmarried) had poor knowledge. Among 30 Engineering students, 21(70%) had average knowledge and 9(30%) had poor knowledge. It is found that there is no significant relationship between the knowledgelevel and selected demographic variables such as age, gender and marital statusat 0.05% level of significance.

 

NURSING EDUCATION:

Like the two sides of the same students may have positive or negative attitude towards nursing care. Knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome is essential because it is a common problem among adults. The research adds better knowledge to the body of knowledge of nursing profession, which can be included in curriculum and it helps to expand the knowledge of nursing students, also nurses are god agents for transferring their knowledge to general population. Nurses have a major role in developing a healthy society. It is important to participate students in health education programmes, this will improve knowledge of Engineering students regarding CVS.

 

NURSING ADMINISTRATION:

Nurse are also at a great risk for developing computer vision syndrome, so it is important in nursing administration to manage CVS among staff nurse knowledge and skill. Nursing administration should take measures to provide adequate resting periods and reducing the working hours to manage CVS. It is essential aspect of nursing as it uplifts the profession and develops new nursing knowledge. Although, actual performance is limited to clinical setting.

 

NURSING PRATICE:

Research helps to expand the body of knowledge of nursing profession. Nurses who have good knowledge and who apply the evidence-based practice can provide a better care for patient with computer vision syndrome, based on scientific knowledge. Active participation of student nurses can be encouraged by proceeding opportunities for clinical teaching and health programmes to Engineering students.

 

NURSING RESEARCH:

The finding of present study can be baseline for future study to build up and motivates for other investigator to conduct studies in future under different living conditions. Research is the major factor in changing the practice, education and policy. Nurse who form an important cadre of health professional should take initiative to conduct research regarding various aspect of CVS. Nursing research has a significant role in educational practice.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

On the basis of study findings the recommendations are:

·       A similar study can be conducted with large sample so that the findings can be generalized.

·       The study can be conducted assess the level of knowledge regarding computer vision syndrome among Engineering students.

 

REFERENCES:

1.     Banoth Devender, Samyukta Nandari, Kataih Aishwarya. “A cross sectional study to assess the prevalence and associated factors of computer vision syndrome among engineering students of Hyderabad”. 30 November 2018. Available from http//dx.doi.org/10.18203/23946040.ifmph 20185264. Page 308-313.

2.     Gangamma M.P, Rajagopala Manjusha. “A clinical study on computer vision syndrome” and its management with Triphala eye drops and saptamritalauha. Available from PMCID: PMC3215371

3.     Reddy SC, NursalehaMp. Computer vision syndrome: “A study of knowledge and practices in university students”. Nepal. December 2013. Available from 10.31 26/nepjoph. V 512.8707

4.     Katalanda P, Kulatunga S, Pererays, Ranasinghe P. computer vision syndrome Among computer office workers in a developing country: An Evaluation of prevalence and risk factors. 2016 March. Available from pobmed. n/m.nih.gov.

5.     https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computers-vision- Syndrome?sso=y%20 bibliography.

 

 

 

Received on 28.09.2020          Modified on 14.10.2020

Accepted on 01.11.2020        © AandV Publications all right reserved