Visual display terminal syndrome and its associated factors among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ever since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, students have been spending an increasingly longer time staring at electrical devices to take online courses. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the virtual class environment on eye and musculoskeletal problems in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A total of 365 university students were enrolled in this study. They completed an online survey to examine the effects of online learning on eye and musculoskeletal health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaires consisted of four sections: demographic and general information, environmental and work factors, device-related factors, and visual display terminal syndrome (VDTS). RESULTS: Participants have been taking online classes of 14.5 hours per a week during the COVID-19 pandemic. They reported the mean daily usage of digital devices of 4.8±2.2 hours before the pandemic but this increased to 8.1±2.9 during the pandemic. Eye fatigue and neck, shoulder, and back pain have also been reported. The mean VDTS score was significantly influenced by gender, obesity, daily exercise, regular breaks, wear of blue light-blocking glasses, daily hours of electronic device use, and illumination of room. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that university students taking online classes suffered more from VDTS, especially in eye fatigue and neck, lower back, and shoulder pain during COVID-19 pandemic than prior. This study suggests that it is necessary to take breaks in online classes and regularly provide appropriate eye exercise and physical activity to prevent VDTS.