Level Of Awareness, Perception And Practice Of Conventional Preventive Measures For Computer Vision Syndrome Among University Students, Maseno, Western Kenya

ABSTRACT

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a multi-factorial condition of the eye that results in symptoms of stress and eye discomfort among electronic device users. It causes considerable chronic vision-related morbidity and reduced work productivity. Ninety percent and 75% of computer users globally and in Africa, respectively, suffer from CVS. The risk factors for CVS include prolonged period of electronic device use, glare, refractive error, short viewing distance and inappropriate seating position. It is an insidious chronic condition that has hitherto received little attention, both by health providers as well as computer users. Also, it is likely to be under diagnosed as it mimics other eye conditions. In Kenya, lack of awareness of the disease is a key barrier to early detection, health seeking and practice of preventive measures. The burden of CVS and how much computer users in learning institutions are aware of and perceive CVS remains unknown. The purpose of the proposed study was to investigate the level of awareness, perception on CVS and practice of conventional preventive measures of CVS among students at Maseno University, an institution where information technology is a core component of the curriculum. The specific objectives of the study were to: determine the prevalence of students reporting symptoms of CVS; assess the level of awareness of CVS; determine students’ perception on CVS; and to determine the proportion of students who practices the conventional preventive measures of CVS. A cross-sectional design was used. Simple random sampling procedure was used to select 384 students from a target population of 21,000. Fishers’ formula was used to calculate sample size. The mean age of participants was 19.5 (SD= 0.7466) with 18-24 years as the modal age group (p=0.001). Females comprised 51.3% and males 48.7% of the participants. Participants who had at least 5 symptoms of CVS were 60.4% (n= 232).Awareness level was classified as low in 47.8%; medium level in 38.2% and high level in 13.8% of participants (p=0.001). Based on perception, 39.8% of the participants perceived CVS susceptibility, severity and benefits while 60.2% did not (p=0.001). Only viewing distance (40.0%, p=0.001) and duration of computer use (46.2%, p=0.001) were practiced by participants. These study results show that at least 2 out of 5 students have at least five symptoms of CVS, whereas awareness of the disease and related risks remain low. In conclusion, results of the present study indicate that CVS is present however, it is a less recognized health concern perceived by few and practice of conventional preventive measures is low among university students. Consequently, screening for the disease and awareness campaigns to improve recognition of disease and uptake of interventions is recommended. The study recommends sensitization of students on CVS.