Vision Problems and Screen Time Exposure Among Adolescents in Rural Schools

Kalpita  Sahoo; Bhagyashree  Mohapatra; Suddamalla  Maneesha; Payal  Pradhan; A.P. Tapaswini

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i9.1374

Authors

Kalpita Sahoo Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatric and Neonatology, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India,
Bhagyashree Mohapatra Assistant Professor, Department of Neonatology, IMS and SUM Medical College, Bhubaneswar, India,
Suddamalla Maneesha MD Paediatrics, Department of Neonatology, IMS-SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India,
Payal Pradhan Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India,
A.P. Tapaswini Senior Resident, Department of Paediatrics, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i9.1374

Keywords:

Adolescents, Myopia, Screen time, Visual health

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical period marked by rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive development. During this stage, various health issues, including myopia, anemia, and acne, can emerge, particularly influenced by lifestyle factors like screen time and socio-economic status. Understanding these factors is vital for promoting adolescent health and well-being.

Aim: The study aims to assess and compare the health status of school going adolescents in urban and rural schools around Bhubaneswar, focusing on BMI, vision, and screen time exposure.

Method: The study followed a descriptive cross-sectional design and was conducted in urban and rural schools around Bhubaneswar, India, over two years (November 2015 to October 2017). A sample size of 641 adolescents aged 10-19 years was selected, and data was collected using a pretested questionnaire and clinical assessments. Physical health, including BMI, anemia, and vision, was evaluated alongside screen time exposure and its effects on ocular health. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 for descriptive statistics and inferential testing.

Results: The study found a significant association between screen time exposure and vision problems among adolescents, with 63% reporting visual discomfort. Myopia prevalence was higher in urban participants (28%) compared to rural participants (15%), with an overall prevalence of 22%. Urban participants had longer screen times and were more engaged in activities like gaming and social media, contributing to increased visual strain. Ocular biometric measurements showed greater axial length and corneal curvature in myopic individuals.

Conclusion: The study concludes that excessive screen time is significantly associated with increased vision problems, including myopia and digital eye strain, among adolescents. Urban participants exhibited higher screen time and myopia prevalence compared to rural participants. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to mitigate screen-related vision issues in this population.