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Vol 6 (2021): Continuous Publishing
Original paper
Published online: 2021-01-25
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Uptake of conventional interventions, level of awareness and perception on computer vision syndrome: a cross-sectional study among University students, Kenya

Shadrack Muma1, Dickens Omondi Aduda2, Patrick Ogola Onyango3
·
Ophthalmol J 2021;6:1-9.
Affiliations
  1. Department of Public Health, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
  2. Department of Public Health, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, Bondo, Kenya
  3. School of Graduate Studies, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya

open access

Vol 6 (2021): Continuous Publishing
ORIGINAL PAPERS
Published online: 2021-01-25

Abstract

Background: Awareness and perception are critical determinants in the uptake of a health intervention. This study
assessed the level of awareness and perception in relation to the uptake of interventions of computer vision syndrome (CVS) among university students.

Material and methods: From a target population of 21,000 students, 384 students were included in the study. Participants were recruited from Maseno, Kenya. Structured in-depth questionnaires were administered to the participants. Composite awareness scale and summative perception score were used to quantify the level of awareness
and perception.

Results: Out of the 384 participants, 48.7% were males, and 51.3% females. The study denoted a modal age of 18–24 years with a mean age of 19.5 years (SD = 0.747). The prevalence of CVS was 60.4% (n = 232), and almost half of the participants (47.8%) had a low level of awareness. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) in the level of awareness among participants. Based on perception, nearly three quarter of the participants (60%) perceived CVS as a global issue of public health concern in relation to the introduction of portable electronic devices used on a daily basis. Based on CVS precautions, almost half of the participants (40%) did not practice the preventive measures.

Conclusion: Computer vision syndrome was present in about two out of every five students, while awareness remained significantly low, as well as uptake of preventive measures. We emphasize the need for interventions to increase CVS awareness. Developing an item bank for measuring CVS is desirable.

Abstract

Background: Awareness and perception are critical determinants in the uptake of a health intervention. This study
assessed the level of awareness and perception in relation to the uptake of interventions of computer vision syndrome (CVS) among university students.

Material and methods: From a target population of 21,000 students, 384 students were included in the study. Participants were recruited from Maseno, Kenya. Structured in-depth questionnaires were administered to the participants. Composite awareness scale and summative perception score were used to quantify the level of awareness
and perception.

Results: Out of the 384 participants, 48.7% were males, and 51.3% females. The study denoted a modal age of 18–24 years with a mean age of 19.5 years (SD = 0.747). The prevalence of CVS was 60.4% (n = 232), and almost half of the participants (47.8%) had a low level of awareness. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) in the level of awareness among participants. Based on perception, nearly three quarter of the participants (60%) perceived CVS as a global issue of public health concern in relation to the introduction of portable electronic devices used on a daily basis. Based on CVS precautions, almost half of the participants (40%) did not practice the preventive measures.

Conclusion: Computer vision syndrome was present in about two out of every five students, while awareness remained significantly low, as well as uptake of preventive measures. We emphasize the need for interventions to increase CVS awareness. Developing an item bank for measuring CVS is desirable.

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Keywords

level of awareness; perceived susceptibility; practice of interventions

About this article
Title

Uptake of conventional interventions, level of awareness and perception on computer vision syndrome: a cross-sectional study among University students, Kenya

Journal

Ophthalmology Journal

Issue

Vol 6 (2021): Continuous Publishing

Article type

Original paper

Pages

1-9

Published online

2021-01-25

Page views

6633

Article views/downloads

847

DOI

10.5603/OJ.2021.0001

Bibliographic record

Ophthalmol J 2021;6:1-9.

Keywords

level of awareness
perceived susceptibility
practice of interventions

Authors

Shadrack Muma
Dickens Omondi Aduda
Patrick Ogola Onyango

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