Digital dependence & Myopia: Assessing the impact of devices addiction among Bangladeshi university students
Students & Supervisors
Student Authors
Supervisors
Abstract
Background: Nowadays, myopia is more common, especially among university students. Obsessive use of digital devices and heavy exposure to digital screens a normal thing for students puts stress on the eyes and encourages further myopia. Screen exposure is a significant cause of Myopia especially through digital devices. Digital device users are increasing in Bangladesh and most of them are young adult. As a result, there has been concern about its effects on eye health. Design & Methods: The aim of the study is to find connection between myopia and device addiction among university students in Bangladesh. This study, therefore, uses a mixed-method approach by combining quantitative and qualitative methods in the study of the relationship between device addiction and myopia in university students in Bangladesh. Data collection has leaned towards the cross-sectional survey of the pattern of use of mobile phones, academic impacts, and self-reported visual health. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling to represent both public and private universities in Bangladesh equally. Demographic data and patterns were described through descriptive statistics, whereas logistic regression examined the association between device addiction with risk factors for myopia. Result: The study found that 42.2% of Bangladeshi university students were very dependent on mobile phones. Specifically, 34% used their gadgets for more than four hours daily, and the dominant use became very non-academic, which included social media use at 87.1%. Almost half of the respondents, 48%, reported sleep loss due to the use of their phones at night. As a result, this increased their risks for digital eye strain and myopia progression. Conclusion: This study, brings out a positive correlation between device addiction and its negative impacts on the health of eyesight and academic performances of Bangladeshi university students. These findings consequently call for targeted interventions through awareness campaigns, promotions of balanced device use through educational policy, and health-promoted initiatives to reduce screen time and enhance protection practices.
Keywords
Publication Details
- Type of Publication: Conference
- Conference Name: 10th International Public Health Conference, 2024
- Date of Conference: 06/12/2024 - 07/12/2024
- Venue: TMSS Medical College, Bogura, Bangladesh
- Organizer: PHF BD