Evaluation Of Sociodemographic Characteristics And Mobile Broadband Coverage On The Eye And Vision Symptoms In University Students Of Peshawar City

Abstract

Background: The widespread use of mobile and digital devices and screens has been associated with impacts on eye and vision issues. The students, being young adults and potential users of mobile phones and digital devices for academic purposes, are at higher risk of developing vision and eye-related issues. Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the factors and determinants of eye and vision issues in university students of Peshawar city. Methods: The cross-sectional study, approved by …. Through ethical approval letter NO.***, was carried out from January to June 2024 in two public and two private universities. Data was analysed from 492 complete questionnaires shared with participants through Google Forms. Results: Respondents involved 83% male and 17% female, with female gender (P=0.023) significant for eye vision issues with screen utilisation. Age groups of 18-25 years (P=0.021) and 26-35 years (0.004), living in an urban area (P=0.006), broadband quality of poor (P=0.026), and Good (P<0.001) were significant factors of eye vision issues. Among the eye vision-related symptoms, headache (P=0.010) was found to be significant. Screen distance of <50cm increased the risk of eye vision issues  OR=2.08 (CI 1.10-3.40), P=0.002  times. Type of university, dry eyes, burning sensation, double vision, Halos around the screen and blurred vision were not significant. Limitations: Cross-sectional study design, male-dominant population and online data collection tool were the study limitations. Recommendations: Future studies should focus on more detailed and diverse populations and longitudinal studies. Conclusion: The impact of screens on vision and eye health has been significant in younger adults, people living in urban areas and in areas of good mobile broadband coverage. Headache is the most common and significant factor of eye strain.