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24-09-2022 | COVID-19 | Original Paper

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Authors: Abdullah N. Almousa, Munirah Z. Aldofyan, Bushra A. Kokandi, Haneen E. Alsubki, Rawan S. Alqahtani, Priscilla Gikandi, Shatha G. Alghaihb

Published in: International Ophthalmology | Issue 4/2023

Abstract

Purpose

To estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) among university medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after establishing remote learning during COVID-19 pandemic and to compare settings of electronic device usage and patterns of CVS protective measures applied by students before and during this pandemic.

Methods

This is an observational descriptive cross-sectional study which included 1st to 5th year medical students who were actively enrolled at the governmental colleges of medicine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The sample size was estimated to be 287 medical students. Participants were asked to volunteer and fill an electronic online questionnaire.

Results

A total of 300 medical students were included in this study. 94.0% reported at least one symptom of CVS, while 67% reported having more than three symptoms. The most frequently reported symptoms were musculoskeletal pain (84.3%), headache (71.1%) and dry eyes (68%). Thirty-eight percent of the students experienced more severe symptoms, while 48% experienced more frequent symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk factors for having three or more symptoms were being a female (p < 0.001) and using electronic devices for longer periods (6.8 h ± 2.8) during COVID-19 lockdown (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

CVS prevalence during COVID-19 era among medical students is high. This necessitates increasing the awareness of CVS and its preventive measures.

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Title: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdullah N. Almousa
Munirah Z. Aldofyan
Bushra A. Kokandi
Haneen E. Alsubki
Rawan S. Alqahtani
Priscilla Gikandi
Shatha G. Alghaihb
Publication date: 24-09-2022
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: International Ophthalmology / Issue 4/2023
Print ISSN: 0165-5701
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2630
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-022-02525-w

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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