Pandemia y síndrome visual informático en estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad de Cuenca: prevalencia, características y factores asociados. Cuenca, Ecuador 2023.

Abstract

Background: Due to globalization, more people are using computers and electronic screen devices. Every year, one million new cases are diagnosed, and the global prevalence suggests that 60 million people have computer vision syndrome. Objective: To determine the prevalence, characteristics, and associated factors of Computer Vision Syndrome among medical students at the University of Cuenca during the academic period of March-August 2023. Methodology: A total of 335 medical students from the university participated in an analytic cross-sectional and prevalence study. Author’s created forms and an anonymous database were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS 29 statistical software and presented in descriptive tables. Results: The majority of students (90.1%), mainly females (64,5%) aged between 20-30 years, participated. 83,3% of the population had Computer Vision Syndrome. Common symptoms included headache (80,6%), burning sensation (79,1%), and itching (77%). The use of corrective eyewear (PR: 1.154; 95% CI: 1.026-1.299) and underlying eye conditions (PR: 1.170; 95% CI: 1.061-1.290) were associated with the development of Computer Vision Syndrome among students. It was found that age group, gender, knowledge of Computer Vision Syndrome, academic level, devices used, usage pattern, knowledge of preventive measures, nature of device screens, device distance, and viewing angle had no statistically significant associations. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome among medical students at the University of Cuenca