Evaluation of Prevalence and Associated Factors of Dry Eye Syndrome among Medical Students Exposed to Visual Display Terminal in Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.3.7
- Author:
Patricia Ann John
1
;
Adil Hussein
1
;
Khairy Shamel Sonny Teo
1
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Dry Eye Syndrome, Visual Display terminal, Medical student
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023;19(No.3):45-52
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Dry eye syndrome (DES) has become a public health concern, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical students are at risk due to an increase in visual display terminal (VDT) exposure given the transition
to full-time online lectures. The presence of reduced blink rate and tear film instability in VDT users causes an increase in tear evaporation leading to symptoms of DES. This study helps us to learn about the associated factors of
VDT use and DES among the young generation. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors
of DES among medical students exposed to VDT at the health campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Methods:
A cross-sectional study involving 140 undergraduate medical students aged 22 to 29 years old who were VDT users.
Factors analysed are age, gender, race and duration of VDT usage. Data collection included both subjective assessment (OSDI questionnaire) and objective assessment (TBUT and Schirmer’s test). Statistical analysis was conducted
using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS Inc Version 24). Results were analysed using descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Most of the medical student cohort was female and Malay. Most
of the students use VDT for less than 8 hours. A high incidence of DES was noted among medical students (92.1%).
None of the factors showed significant association with positive findings DES by subjective and objective assessment
and duration of VDT usage. Conclusion: DES is common among VDT users. This study showed a high prevalence of
DES among medical students in USM. The factors analysed did not show a significant association between DES and
duration of VDT usage. This study may help to recognize the problem and will raise awareness of their daily practice
and implement preventive measures to avoid VDT-related DES.
- Full text:11.2023my1507.pdf
