Einstein International Journal Organization(EIJO)

Abstract

Background: Asthenopia (visual fatigue) has emerged as a common ocular complaint in the era of digital learning. Medical students constitute a high-risk group due to prolonged academic screen exposure and intensive near-work demands.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of asthenopia among undergraduate medical students and to identify associated demographic and behavioural risk factors.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 undergraduate medical students at RKDF Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Bhopal. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, digital device usage patterns, and symptoms of asthenopia. Asthenopia was defined as the presence of one or more symptoms of visual fatigue following prolonged near work or screen exposure. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and associations were assessed using the Chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The overall prevalence of asthenopia was 62%. A significant association was observed between daily screen time and asthenopia (χ² = 22.59, p < 0.001). Students with more than six hours of daily screen exposure demonstrated significantly higher odds of developing asthenopia (OR = 6.5; 95% CI: 2.87–14.73). Logistic regression analysis confirmed prolonged screen time (>6 hours) as an independent predictor (Adjusted OR = 6.36, p < 0.001). Female gender was also significantly associated with asthenopia (Adjusted OR = 1.86, p = 0.027).

Conclusion: Asthenopia is highly prevalent among medical students and is strongly associated with prolonged digital screen exposure. Implementation of preventive strategies, including ergonomic education and regulated screen time, is essential to safeguard ocular health and enhance academic performance.

Keywords: Asthenopia, Digital Eye Strain, Medical Students, Screen Time, Visual Fatigue, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Ocular Health, Cross-Sectional Study.

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