scholarly journals Prevalence and determinants of digital eye strain among school children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Author(s):  
Catherine Simon ◽  
Shalet Paul

Background: Digital eye strain (DES) is an emerging public health problem due to continuous exposure to electronic gadgets and digital devices for educational, occupational or entertainment purposes, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Children are more vulnerable to DES, as they continue to attend online classes but are unaware of early symptoms of DES and do not complain till their vision deteriorates. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of DES among school children during this pandemic.Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 176 school children aged 12-16 years, studying in 8th, 9th and 10th standards of a randomly selected school in Kollam district of Kerala, using the validated computer vision syndrome questionnaire (CVSQ), sent online via Google form to parents/guardians for recording their children’s pattern of digital device usage and DES symptoms.Results: The prevalence of DES among school children was 29.5%. Their commonest symptom was headache (n=125, 69.9%). The smartphone was the most commonly used digital device (n=159, 93.5%). The independent risk factors of DES were the preferred use of smart phone (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.846; 95% CI=1.371-5.906; p=0.005) and viewing distance of digital device <18 inches (AOR=2.762; 95% CI=1.331-5.731; p=0.006).Conclusions: This study has highlighted some of the risk factors associated with DES. A concerted effort is needed to raise awareness about DES by experts in the health and education sectors, along with parents and teachers, so that digital device use among children can be optimised.

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 428-438
Author(s):  
Budiyono Budiyono ◽  
Suhartono Suhartono ◽  
Apoina Kartini

Organophosphate is widely used in agriculture in Indonesia and contributes to a public health problem. However, the risk factors of organophosphate exposure, particularly in children living in the agricultural area, have not been described. The research aimed to assess the risk factors associated with organophosphate pesticide exposure on school children living in the agricultural area. This work was a cross-sectional study in 2017 with 166 school children were selected by simple random sampling. Structured questionnaires identified risk factors. Organophosphate metabolites detected by using LC-MS/MS. While chi-square and binary logistic tests as statistical analysis (α=0.05; 95%CI). In 28.9% of subjects, organophosphate metabolites were detected. Cut the onion leaves (p=0.002, OR=3.33, 95% CI:1.55−7.15), the onion, pesticide equipment, or pesticide in their neighbors (p=0.007; OR=2.67; 95%CI:1.31−5.46) was associated with organophosphate pesticide exposure. Involvement in agriculture activities and the onion, pesticide equipment, or pesticide in the neighbor.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bekalu Getachew Gebreegziabher ◽  
Tesema Etefa Birhanu ◽  
Diriba Dereje Olana ◽  
Behailu Terefe Tesfaye

Background: Stroke is a great public health problem in Ethiopia. According to reports, in-hospital stroke mortality was estimated to be 14.7% in Ethiopia. Despite this, in this country researches done on factors associated with stroke sub-types were inadequate. Objective: To assess the Characteristics and risk factors associated with stroke sub-types among patients admitted to JUMC. Methods and materials: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted from May 2017 to May 2018 in stroke unit of Jimma University Medical Center. A total of 106 medical charts of patients diagnosed with stroke were reviewed. Checklist comprising of relevant variables was used to collect data. SPSS version 21 was employed for data entry and analysis. Chi-square test was used to point-out association and difference among stroke sub-types. The data was presented using text, tables and figures. Result: From a total of 106 patients, 67(63.2%) were men. The mean ± SD of age was 52.67±12.46 years, and no significant association was found. Of all the patients, 59(55.6%) had ischemic strokes and 47(44.4%) had hemorrhagic strokes. The most common risk factor in the patients was alcohol use with a prevalence of 69.9%. Of all the risk factors, only sex, cigarettes smoking and dyslipidemia were significantly associated to sub-types of stroke. Conclusion: Ischemic stroke was the most common subtype of stroke. Sex of patient, cigarette smoking and dyslipidemia are significantly associated with the two stroke subtypes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Animen Ayehu ◽  
Yibeltal Aschale ◽  
Wossenseged Lemma ◽  
Animut Alebel ◽  
Ligabaw Worku ◽  
...  

Background. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also called kala-azar) is a public health problem in Ethiopia, especially in sesame and sorghum growing areas. Compared to other populations, labor migrants are the most exposed. Knowing the seroprevalence ofLeishmania donovaniand associated risk factors is essential to design appropriate control measures. The main aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers and associated risk factors in agricultural camps of West Armachiho district, Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the seroprevalence and associated risk factors ofL. donovaniinfection.Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 laborers from October to December 2017. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants from selected agricultural camps. After obtaining written informed consent, data were collected using a structured pretested Amharic version questionnaire using the interview technique. A single finger prick blood sample was collected from the study participants and the blood samples were subjected to the serological diagnostic method using the rk39 kit. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors associated withL. donovaniinfection.Result. Among 185 participants examined using rk39, 14 (7.6%) were seroreactive forL. donovani.Leishmania donovaniinfection had a statistically significant association with sleeping underBalanitestrees (AOR: 4.36, 95%CI: 1.186-16.06), presence of domestic animals near sleeping place (AOR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.25-17.56), and lack of knowledge about VL transmission (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.07-13.47).Conclusion. Seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers in agricultural camps of West Armachiho was low. Prevention measures and health education about risk factors that expose toL. donovaniinfection for the laborers are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.


Author(s):  
Meriam El Ghardallou ◽  
Jihene Maatoug ◽  
Imed Harrabi ◽  
Sihem Ben Fredj ◽  
Sahli Jihene ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: A better understanding of socio-demographic characteristics of subgroups, which have a high risk to develop chronic diseases, is essential to develop more efficient interventional programs especially for youth. This study aimed to determine the association between clusters of non communicable diseases (NCDs’) risk factors and the socio-demographic characteristics among a sample of Tunisian school children. Materials and methods: We conducted, in 2013/2014, a cross-sectional study among a proportional and stratified school children sample, selected in 17 elementary public schools in Sousse (Tunisia). A cluster analysis was used to identify different NCDs risk factors clusters, based on tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. Subsequent χ2-tests were used to identify differences between the NCDs risk factors clusters in regards to socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Four clusters of NCDs risk factors were found: 1) Cluster 1: physical inactivity behavior with normal weight, 2) Cluster 2: physical inactivity behavior associated to excess weight, 3) Cluster 3: unhealthy diet associated to excess weight and low practice of physical activity, and 4) Cluster 4: smoking behavior with physical activity behavior. The pattern of cluster membership differed across sex (<10–3), school level, and socioeconomic level (<10–3) but there was no significant difference between clusters for mother’s education levels and household tenure. Conclusion: This study can have important implications for health policy and practice. Indeed, it found that many subjects have simultaneous multiple NCDs risk factors which leads to identify groups at risk and implement integrated intervention program.


2007 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep. S. Tangade

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to know the prevalence of anterior teeth fracture and malocclusion and their correlation among the school going children aged 12 and 15 years, as well as to analyze the general relative risk factors like age, sex, malocclusion, nature and place of trauma. Method An epidemiological cross sectional study was carried out among 3621 school going children (2418 boys and 1203 girls) in Belgaum city aged 12 and 15 years. Interview was conducted fro other variables and clinical examination using modified WHO performa was done. Results The prevalence of anterior teeth fracture was 4.41%. The prevalence rate for males was 4.96% and females 3.33%. The maxillary left central incisor had more risk for fracture (42.7%). Enamel fractures compromised of 59.54%. The prevalence rate of malocclusion was 27.3%. Conclusions The study concludes that there is a strong relationship between malocclusion and fractured anterior teeth (P<0.001). Key words: Malocclusion, Trauma, Prevalence, Tooth Fracture


2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uchenna C. Atowa ◽  
Alvin J. Munsamy ◽  
Samuel O. Wajuihian

Aim: To study the prevalence of myopia among school children in Aba, Nigeria.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in public and private (primary and secondary) schools. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used for selecting participants aged between 8 and 15 years from 12 schools in Aba, Nigeria. Data were analysed for 1197 children who underwent a comprehensive eye examination. The children were divided according to the following criteria: age groups (group 1 [8–11 years] or group 2 [12–15 years]), gender (male or female), level of education (primary or secondary) and type of school (public or private). Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ≤ -0.50 D in the poorer eye.Results: The prevalence of myopia was estimated to be 2.7%. Of the 96 children with refractive error, 78.1% were uncorrected. In using logistic regression analysis, risk of developing myopia was associated with older age groups (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16–9.11; p < 0.010) and higher level of education (OR: 1.73; 95% CI, 1.05–2.86; p < 0.030). There was no significant difference in myopia prevalence between male and female children (p = 0.89).Conclusion: Although the prevalence of myopia and overall prevalence of refractive error in school children in Aba were low, the high prevalence of uncorrected refractive error is a significant public health problem. An effective and sustainable children’s vision screening programme is needed to prevent visual impairment and blindness.


2011 ◽  
Vol 01 (04) ◽  
pp. 16-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keerthan Kumar M. ◽  
Prashanth K. ◽  
Kavya Elizabeth Baby ◽  
Kavya Rashmi Rao ◽  
Kumarkrishna B. ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: The aim of this project is to find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the high school children in selected schools of Mangalore and Manipal and also to study the association of obesity with different factors like Age, Sex, Physical activity etc. Methods: Cross sectional Study which included 500 participants from 10 selected schools in Udupi and D.K districts. 50 students were rd included from each school on the basis of 1 in 5 choosing every 3rd student. In schools with lesser attendance all were included. Following which they were explained the details about the study. Then their height and weight were recorded using standard measurements and the data was collected using the questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was found to be 2.6% and 3.0% respectively. Prevalence was found to be higher in males, those studying in private schools, staying in nuclear family, consuming fried foods-aerated drinks regularly and in those who do not exercise regularly. Conclusions: Childhood obesity is a major public health problem globally because of changes in lifestyle.


2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 14-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram Bilakshan Sah ◽  
PK Pokharel ◽  
IS Paudel ◽  
A Acharya ◽  
N Jha ◽  
...  

Background Taenia prevalence has remained high among certain ethnic groups and occupational diseases in Nepal. Taenia saginata and Taenia solium species are worldwide in distribution. Infection is found most often in rural areas of developing countries with poor hygiene and living in close contact with pigs and eating undercooked pork meats. This allows the tapeworm infection to be completed and its cycle to continue. Objectives  To measure the prevalence of taenia infestation and to identify risk factors associated with taenia infestation among the school children of Dharan. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among 935 Government and private school going children of Grade VI, VII, and VIII of Dharan during 2007 to 2008. Stratified random sampling method was applied to choose the schools and the study subjects. The prevalence was calculated, Chi-square test was used to measure the association of risk factors and taenia infestation. Results Taenia species was found to be high (5.5%) among the school children of Dharan. Infection rate of taenia among the male children (6.0%) was slightly higher than female (4.8%). There were no cases of taenia infestation found among children washing hands with soap. Regarding meat consumption in the non-vegetarian group, taenia infestation was found higher (6.5%) among pork eating than non-pork eating (4.7%). No significant relationship was traced among the factors in the causation of taenia infestation although slight indications present. Conclusion Taenia species was found very high among the school children of Dharan. No such association was found with the risk factors. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 14-17 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8011


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