Prevalence of Self Reported Computer Vision Syndrome and Associated Factors among Secretaries and Data Processors Who are Working in University of Gondar, Ethiopia

Abstract

Computers have become an indispensible part of modern life, being used in every aspect of life. This technological advancement has ushered in a new genre of occupational health problem. Computer Vision Syndrome is a condition that affects millions of people globally. This study investigated the prevalence of Self Reported Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and associated factors among secretaries and data processors who are working in university of Gondar, Ethiopia. This institution based cross sectional study was based on 284 study participants from the 1^st May to 15^th June 2004. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. The prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome among respondents was 73.9%. Secretaries and data processers used computers for > 7 hours per-day were 2 times more likely to have suffered from CVS as compared to those who used computers < 7 hours per-day (OR=2; 95%CI: 1.14 – 3.51). Prevalence of CVS was high among the study participants. Age and working hours spent on computer use are independent predictors of CVS. Further studies on a large scale should be carried out to explore the extent and factors associated with CVS.

Keywords: Computer Vision Syndrome, University of Gondar, Working hour’s per-day