Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome Among Iranian Medical University Employees and Graduate Students in their Occupational Environment

Background and Objectives: The prolonged use of digital screens can cause a set of visual and ocular symptoms known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which is a common health issue among computer users. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CVS among university employees and graduate students in their occupational environment in Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Rehabilitation School of Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. The study population (n=154) included all university employees and graduate students who spend at least one hour of computer work per day in their workplace. The participants completed a validated self-administered questionnaire. A descriptive analysis was performed and the prevalence of CVS was calculated. The correlations between variables were assessed using the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients and non-parametrical tests were used to evaluate the association between CVS and predictor variables, as well as differences between subgroups. Results: The Mean±SD age of the sample was 37.7±11.0 years, 64.3% were women, 57.8% were employee, 56.5% have higher education and the Mean±SD of computer usage time was 5.08±2.2. The total prevalence of CVS was 48.7% and the most frequent symptoms were eye redness (62.3%) and burning (56.5%). A significant positive correlation was found between the number of hours working with a computer and the total score of CVS (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.248, P=0.02). Moreover, the total score of CVS significantly differed between participants who use six or more hours the computer and those who spend less than six hours (Mann-Whitney U test: P=0.007). Conclusion: This is the first investigation using a validated questionnaire to estimate the prevalence of CVS among computer users in the occupational environment, in Iran. The results show a relatively high prevalence of CVS these populations. The most affected are those who use the computer for a longer duration.

Changes in the Lifestyle in Spanish University Population during the Confinement for COVID-19

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic, eating and physical activity behaviours, in a University population. A healthy diet such as the Mediterranean Diet (MD) pattern, rich in fruit and vegetables can prevent degenerative diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc. (2) Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study, data were collected by an anonymous online questionnaire. Participants completed a survey consisting of 3 sections: sociodemographic data; dietary and physical activity behaviour; questionnaire of the Mediterranean Diet (MEDAS-14) and the emotional eater questionnaire Garaulet (EEQ). (3) Results: A total of 168 participants completed the questionnaire 66.7% women, from Spain 79.2%, 76.8% students, living in family home 76.2% and in normal weight 66.1% . Our population did the grocery 1 or less per week (76.8%); decreased or stay the same the consumption of fruits (57.1%), vegetables (58.9%), dairy products (74.4%), pulses (73.2%), fish/seafood (76.8%), white meat (83.3%), red and processed meat (91.1%), snacks (78.6%), rice/pasta/potatoes (78.6%), nuts (83.9%), low alcohol drinks (89.3%), spirits (98.8%) and sugary drinks (91.7%) . Increased cooking time (73.2%) and decreased or stay the same their physical activity (63.7%). University Employees increased more weight (1.01±0.02) than students (0.99±0.03) (p<0.05). 79.8% of the participant obtained a Medium/High Adherence to the MD. Emotional and very emotional eaters were higher in women group (p<0.01). (4) Conclusions: In the event of further confinement, strategies should be implemented to promote a balanced and healthy diet together with the practice of physical activity, taking special care of the group of women and University Employees.

Caregiver Challenges of Older University Employees During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has created numerous challenges for older employees who are also caregivers. Some challenges are associated with disruptions in community-based support services leading to the intensification of caregiver responsibilities. Other challenges are related to caregivers’ concerns about their health or the risk of bringing the virus to the care recipient. This study investigated the impacts of those challenges on older (age 55+) working caregivers, from a major university, with a sample that included 57 male and 80 female caregivers. The investigation explored the association of gender and perception of COVID risk, vulnerability, loneliness, resilience, and interpersonal change. Although literature suggests that female caregivers report more risk-perception, stress, and overburden than male caregivers, our findings showed no significant differences based on gender. These findings suggest the importance of understanding that both male and female older working caregivers have been affected by stress and overburden due to the recent pandemic.

In Their Own Words: A Study on COVID-19-Related Concerns and Perceptions of Risk Among Older University Employees

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine COVID-19-related concerns and risk perceptions among older employees aged 50+ related to reopening a large state university campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recruitment focused on older employees from diverse backgrounds and job classifications. Six focus group interviews, with a total of 24 participants, were conducted using Zoom video conferencing. Interviews were transcribed using Zoom and were double-checked for accuracy. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using ATLAS.ti 9 after establishing inter-rater reliability among two coders. During the campus reopening, older employees reported several concerns and perceptions of risk focused on COVID-19 exposure and transmission to others, individual health and health of other household members, mental health and stress, and job security. Findings were used to inform the development of intervention strategies and resources to promote the health and well-being among older employees during the pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 on Older Employees of a Large State University: Findings From a Mixed-Methods Study

Burgeoning research on the effects of COVID-19 and university experiences in the U.S. tends to focus on transmission of COVID-19 virus or student-related consequences of COVID-19. However, none to our knowledge examine the effects on older university employees. Universities employ a higher percentage of older adults with diverse job responsibilities and socioeconomic status, presenting a unique closed community for understanding the pandemic’s consequences for older adults. Our aims are to: 1) understand older university employees’ concerns related to COVID-19, 2) develop intervention strategies to mitigate the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and wellbeing of older employees, and 3) test the interventions within the target population to help reduce stress and promote wellbeing. Using a community participatory approach, we sought input from employees aged 50 and older at the University of Arizona. Mixed methods were used to collect qualitative (six focus groups; N= 24) and quantitative (online survey; N=1030) data. We conducted and evaluated a set of interventions (i.e., virtual Tai Chi and Qigong, walking exercises, and meditation) using focus group feedback, process evaluation, and outcome assessment with validated questionnaires on sleep quality, mindfulness and psychological wellbeing. Findings show that a significant percentage of older employees worried about getting COVID-19 and had experienced undesirable changes in sleep quality, weight, and physical activity, and concerns about caregiving; however, we also observed psychological resilience in this population. The study highlights the importance of developing immediate and effective programs for promoting health and wellbeing for older employees during the pandemic.

Impact of Perceived Organizational Support on Organizational Commitment among University Employees: Moderating Role of Job Experience

The study was aimed to investigate the moderating role of job experience between perceived organizational support and organizational commitment among university employees. The target population was the employees of the Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan, Pakistan. The study was based on a correlational research design. 128 employees were sampled through a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected by survey method through Perceived Organizational Support Scale (POSS) by Eisenberger, Huntington, Hutchison, and Sowa (1986) and Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (Mowday, Steers, & Porter, 1979). Demographic variable job experience was measured as moderating variables between perceived organizational support and organizational commitment. The collected data was analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23). Correlation, regression, and moderation analysis were used to interpret data statistically. The results revealed a significant correlation between perceived organizational support and organizational commitment. The regression analysis indicated a significant impact of perceived organizational support on organizational commitment. The findings suggest a significant role of moderators (job experience) between organizational support and organizational commitment. Further study in organizational psychology would be recommended in the development of an encouraging and supportive workplace environment for employees.

Impact of Environmental Concerns on Environmental Attitudes among University Employees

The ecosystem of the world required immediate and effective actions against environmental threats. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of environmental concerns on environmental attitudes. This is a quantitative study using a correlational design. The target population was the employees of the Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan, Pakistan. The sample size was 107 employees from the Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan, Pakistan. Instruments for collecting data were the Environmental concern scale (Diekmann & Preisendörfer, 2003) and Environmental Attitude (Dunlap, Van Liere, Mertig, & Jones, 2000). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23) was used to analyze data. The environmental concerns and environmental attitudes are positively correlated. Regression analysis shows a positive significant impact of environmental concerns on environmental attitudes up to 22%. There is no significant difference between genders of respondents (male, female) on environmental concerns while the significant difference is reported between genders concerning environmental attitudes. A better understanding of the beliefs and attitudes of individuals is recommended for effective eco-friendly behavior and activities.

Remotely Supervised Exercise during the COVID-19 Pandemic versus in-Person-Supervised Exercise in Achieving Long-Term Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle

The World Health Organization’s global action plan on workers’ health establishes that occupational health services should carry out lifestyle interventions within the workplace, to prevent the development of non-communicable diseases. The objective of the study was to compare adherence to a healthy lifestyle six months after completion of a multi-component intervention with remotely supervised physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic versus a multi-component intervention with in-person supervised physical exercise before the COVID-19 pandemic in university employees with unhealthy habits and predisposed to change. A prospective cohort study following the “Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology” (STROBE) guidelines was conducted, with two arms. Each multi-component intervention lasted for 18 weeks, and consisted of education on healthy habits, Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet)-based workshops, and a physical exercise program. Twenty-one middle-aged sedentary university employees with poor adherence to the MedDiet completed the study. Six months after completion of the intervention, both groups increased physical activity levels, adherence to the MedDiet, eating habits, health-promoting lifestyle, health responsibility, and health-related quality of life. There were no differences between groups in any of the variables analyzed. Therefore, remotely supervised physical exercise could be adequate to achieve long-term adherence to a healthy lifestyle in the same way as conventional face-to-face intervention, at least in a population willing to change.

Investigating the Use of Active Transportation Modes Among University Employees Through an Advanced Decision Tree Algorithm

Now more than ever, the health and economic benefits of active transportation (AT) are evident and several planning efforts and programs are particularly targeted at improving active transportation options for different populations, such as students and seniors. Administrative employees at universities received less attention in the literature than other population groups.This population spends a lot of time doing sedentary activities and behaviors during their working time. Thus, the present study used a C5 decision tree to examine the usage of university employees’ AT modes when they are out of campus to get to work, shopping, and leisure. The effects of the sociodemographic and living environment of employees on their AT mode choice were also examined. According to the results, walking was the most frequently used mode to get to work and leisure and public transport was the most frequently used mode to get to shopping. Transit station conditions (25), sidewalk availability and coverage (36), and bike path availability and coverage (30) were the most important factors in the use of AT modes by employees to get to work, shop, and leisure, respectively. Furthermore, several decision rules were extracted from the C5 tree, which included combinations of multiple factors.KEYWORDS: Active transportation, mode choice, university employees, trip purposes, C5