Impact of digital learning during COVID-19 epoch: a cross sectional study on eye strain among university students in humanities from South India

Presthiena Lofi E L

Impact of digital learning during COVID-19 epoch: a cross sectional study on eye strain among university students in humanities from South India

Keywords : COVID-19, Digital device, Digital Eye Strain (DES), E-learning, Online education


Abstract

The global outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in mandatory digital learning. Spending long hours in front of digital devices may cause eye problems in students. This study was conducted to; (i) identify the digital eye strain experienced by the online student learners during the pandemic period, (ii) find out the association between digital eye strain and selected variables, and (iii) identify the significant predictors of digital eye strain from selected variables. This retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among 100 postgraduate humanities students from Indian universities during the period of 1st January to 31st March 2021. Study used a pretested self-administered online questionnaire. For sample recruitment, non-probability convenient sampling was used. Data were imported into Microsoft Excel 2007 and analyzed using IBM SPSS 25. The results outlined that more than half of the students, who used digital learning for at least four months experienced mild eye strain and time spent on mobile was significantly associated with intensity of near/far sightedness, increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision. The previous history of eye problems increases the risk of severe eye strain among students (OD= 2.361 at p=0.042). Necessary awareness programs and strategies to prevent such problems should also be considered while shifting education to digitalized platforms. Special screening and frequent check-ups should be given to those students who have a history of eye problems.

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