Investigating the Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) Among Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction During the pandemic, health issues associated with using digital devices and exploring social media, such as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), have increased considerably. Objectives This study looked into CVS and its significance in Jordan and the CVS outcomes of undergraduate nursing students who used digital devices to surf social media during COVID-19. Methods To assess CVS, a quantitative cross-sectional research design was used. Data were collected in 2022 through an online diagnostic and formative survey utilizing the CVS-Questionnaire (CVS-Q) with 310 undergraduate nursing students from a government and a private university in Jordan. Descriptive statistics and the univariate general linear model were used to analyze the collected data. Results To report the prevalence of CVS among the studied sample, the median score was 1.80. The median prevalence score was 24.50 (range = 13–31), and 26.75% of participants reported having intense social media searches. For a student in this study to be diagnosed with CVS, they must receive a score of at least 5, and the current sample score was around 2, indicating they didn’t have a CVS; however, it was moderate when it occurred. About 26.75% of participants reported having problematic social media searches. Back and neck pain and headaches were the typical signs of CVS. The average daily hours spent using digital devices for social media searches increased during the pandemic utilizing mobile phones, especially among male nursing students. Being a junior student with no social media account and unable to balance study and social media were among the predictors of CVS. Most students used protective tools on their digital devices, such as protective films and phone screens, to prevent or accommodate CVS. Conclusion There were no prior collected data about CVS in Jordan, and based on the international trend, the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t directly contribute to the prevalence of CVS. However, when the CVS occurred, it was moderate, which mandates proactive and prophylactic redesigning of our educational system.

Prevalence of computer vision syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…During this global crisis, many people have experienced a significant increase in time spent on technology-related activities, such as working from home, participating in virtual meetings, and engaging in online entertainment [ 10 , 11 ]. This change in screen use habits has led to an increased risk of developing CVS [ 12 ].…”