Influencia del uso de las redes sociales en el síndrome visual informático en adolescentes peruanos / Influence of Social Media Use on Computer Vision Syndrome in Peruvian Adolescents

Introducción: El uso excesivo de las redes sociales ha generado diversas secuelas en la salud mental y visual-ocular, dando lugar al Síndrome Visual Informático (SVI) por sobreexposición a las pantallas. Objetivo: Analizar la influencia del uso de las redes sociales en el síndrome visual informático en adolescentes en una realidad peruana. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación de enfoque cuantitativo, hipotético-deductivo, transaccional, correlacional-causal, con una muestra de 126 adolescentes. Para recabar información acerca del uso de las redes sociales, se utilizó el ARS de Escurra y Salas. Para verificar la prevalencia del SVI, se empleó el Cuestionario de Síndrome Visual Informático de Seguí y colaboradores; ambos instrumentos fueron adaptados a formato Google Forms para su aplicación en línea. Resultados: Se encontró una asociación significativa entre el tiempo de permanencia en las redes sociales (RS) y el SVI (p=0,027<0,05); además, se evidenció el impacto significativo de la Adicción a las Redes Sociales (ARS) sobre el SVI (p=0,000<0.01), los síntomas visuales (p=0,000<0.01), oculares (p=0,000<0.01) y astenópicos (p=0,003<0.01). Conclusiones: El estudio demuestra una clara conexión entre el uso excesivo de redes sociales y el SVI en adolescentes peruanos, subrayando la necesidad de una acción conjunta de padres y educadores para mitigar los riesgos y promover un uso digital saludable(AU)

Introduction: The excessive use of social media has generated various sequelae on mental and visual-ocular health, leading to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) due to screen overexposure. Objective: To analyze the influence of social media use on computer vision syndrome in adolescents in a Peruvian context. Methods: A quantitative, hypothetical-deductive, transactional, correlational-causal study was conducted with a sample of 126 adolescents. To gather information about social media use, the ARS by Escurra and Salas was used. To verify the prevalence of CVS, the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire by Seguí and collaborators was employed; both instruments were adapted to Google Forms format for online application. Results: A significant association was found between the time spent on social media (SM) and CVS (p=0.027<0.05); additionally, a significant impact of Social Media Addiction (SMA) on CVS (p=0.000<0.01), visual symptoms (p=0.000<0.01), ocular symptoms (p=0.000<0.01), and asthenopic symptoms (p=0.003<0.01) was evidenced. Conclusions: The study demonstrates a clear connection between excessive use of social media and CVS in Peruvian adolescents, highlighting the need for joint action by parents and educators to mitigate risks and promote healthy digital use(AU)

Astenopia em docentes universitários durante a pandemia da COVID-19 / Asthenopia in college lecturers during the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar sintomas astenópicos e fatores sociodemográficos, hábitos comportamentais e clínicos nos docentes universitários durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal que avaliou a ocorrência de astenopia em 104 docentes. Questionários de sintomatologia visual validados foram adaptados para a coleta de dados. Houve comparação dos docentes quanto à ocorrência ou não de sintomas astenópicos, bem como foi aplicada regressão logística binária, para aferir a associação com variáveis independentes (p<0,05). Resultados: Houve maior aparecimento de sintomas astenópicos durante o período pandêmico, em que o tempo de exposição a telas parece ter sido o fator mais determinante. Além disso, os indivíduos com tempo de tela superior a 5 horas diárias, que faziam uso de telas para o lazer e usavam colírio/lubrificantes apresentaram significativamente maior chance de estar no grupo com sintomas astenópicos. Conclusão: Foi identificada associação significativa entre a ocorrência de sintomas astenópicos e o uso de telas durante o período pandêmico, principalmente nos grupos com maior duração do tempo de tela. O estudo chama atenção para a saúde ocular de docentes universitários em ensino remoto, além de suscitar novos estudos para investigação desse quadro em distintos ambientes escolares.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess asthenopic symptoms and sociodemographic factors, behavioral and clinical aspects in college lecturers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study evaluating asthenopia in 104 lecturers. Some validated visual symptom questionnaires were adapted for data collection. Lecturers were compared regarding the occurrence or not of asthenopic symptoms, and binary logistic regression was applied to measure the association with independent variables (p<0.05). Results: Asthenopic symptoms occurred more often during the pandemic, when exposure to screens was a determinant factor. The individuals with screen time longer than five hours a day, who used screens for leisure, and who used eye drops/lubricants were significantly more likely to be in the group with asthenopic symptoms. Conclusion: A significant association was identified in occurrence of asthenopic symptoms and screen use during the pandemic period, especially in groups with longer screen time. The study draws attention to the eye health of college lecturers in distance learning, and the need for further research on this situation in different school environments.

Asthenopic symptoms prevalence in undergraduate students / Prevalência de sintomas astenópicos em estudantes do ensino superior

Abstract Objective: To analyze the prevalence of asthenic symptoms in students of higher education and to assess their influence on academic performance and learning. Methods: Descriptive research with cross-sectional design through the application of the College of Optometrists Questionnaire in Vision Development Quality of Life (COVDL-QoL), in its cross-cultural and linguistic adaptation to the Portuguese language, to the students of a private college in the city of Montes Claros. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 132 university students. There was no significant discrepancy in the prevalence of asthenopia between genders and age. Symptoms of headache, poor memory and loss of objects predominated in women, while sleepiness during reading and poor management of time were predominant in males. Conclusion: A high prevalence rate of asthenic symptoms among university students and positive associations with sex and time of use of electronic equipment was identified.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência de sintomas astenópicos em estudantes do ensino superior e avaliar a sua influência no desempenho acadêmico e no aprendizado. Métodos: Pesquisa descritiva com delineamento transversal por meio da aplicação do Questionário College of Optometrists in Vision Development Quality of Life (COVDL-QoL), em sua adaptação transcultural e linguística para a língua portuguesa, aos alunos de uma faculdade particular da cidade de Montes Claros. Resultados: O questionário foi respondido por 132 universitários. Não houve discrepância significativa na prevalência de astenopia entre os sexos e a idade. Os sintomas de dor de cabeça, memória fraca e perda de objetos predominaram nas mulheres, enquanto a sonolência durante a leitura e o mau gerenciamento do tempo foram predominantes no sexo masculino. Conclusão: Foi identificada alta taxa de prevalência de sintomas astenópicos entre os universitários e associações positivas com sexo e tempo de utilização de equipamentos eletrônicos.

Computer vision syndrome and ergonomic practices among undergraduate university students.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) and ergonomic practices among students in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was done with a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Four hundred and nine students participated; 78% were females. The mean age was 21.6 years. Neck pain (75.1%), eye strain (67%), shoulder pain (65.5%) and eye burn (61.9%) were the most common CVS symptoms. Dry eyes (26.2%), double vision (28.9%) and blurred vision (51.6%) were the least commonly experienced symptoms. Eye burning (P = .001), eye strain (P = .041) and neck pain (P = .023) were significantly related to level of viewing. Moderate eye burning (55.1%) and double vision (56%) occurred in those who used handheld devices (P = .001 and .007, respectively). Moderate blurred vision was reported in 52% who looked down at the device compared with 14.8% who held it at an angle. Severe eye strain occurred in 63% of those who looked down at a device compared with 21% who kept the device at eye level. Shoulder pain was not related to pattern of use. CONCLUSION: Ocular symptoms and neck pain were less likely if the device was held just below eye level. There is a high prevalence of Symptoms of CVS amongst university students which could be reduced, in particular neck pain and eye strain and burning, with improved ergonomic practices.

Sintomas visuais e insuficiência de convergência em docentes universitários / Visual symptoms and convergence insufficiency in university teachers

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência de desconforto visual e insuficiência de convergência (IC) em docentes universitários. Métodos: Tratar-se de um estudo transversal, com 60 docentes de ambos os sexos, tendo sido utilizado o questionário Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey, validado para a população brasileira. Resultados: Dos docentes entrevistados 55,0% eram do sexo feminino. 48,3% responderam dedicar menos que duas horas por dia à leitura, sendo que 40,0% dos entrevistados disseram que fazem pausas de 30 minutos à uma hora durante a leitura e 63,3% afirmaram passar entre 2 a 5 horas por dia em frente ao computador. Em relação à investigação sobre as doenças do sistema visual, 25,0% relataram apresentar miopia, sendo que 55,0% dos indivíduos usam óculos e destes 41,7% o usam com frequência. Quanto à investigação da prevalência de insuficiência de convergência, obteve-se frequência de (1,8) %. Conclusão: Constatou-se que a maioria dos entrevistados se apresentou com desconforto visual e uma pequena porcentagem foram acometidos pela IC.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the prevalence of visual discomfort and convergence failure in professors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done, consisting of 60 teachers of both sexes, of the Centro Universitário FAG, which used the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey, validated for the Brazilian population. Results: Of those surveyed 55.0% are female. 48.3% respondents spend less than two hours a day reading, with 40.0% of respondents said they do 30-minute breaks for one hour during reading and 63.3% said they spend between 2-5 hours a day in front of the computer. With regard to research on diseases of the visual system, 25.0% reported having myopia, with 55.0% of individuals use these glasses and 41.7% use it frequently. The research of the prevalence of convergence insufficiency, gave an average of 12.4(1.8) %. Conclusion: It was found that most respondents presented with visual discomfort and small percentages were affected by CI.

Exigências visuais e fadiga visual em médicos oftalmologistas / Visual demands and visual fatigue among ophthalmologists

Contexto: As exigências visuais, designadamente da visão ao perto, são cada vez mais frequentes no mundo do trabalho, podendo causar fadiga visual ou astenopia. Os médicos oftalmologistas exercem atividades que exigem esforço visual, o que determina o interesse no seu estudo pela saúde ocupacional. Objetivos: Identificar a prevalência das queixas visuais e a sua relação com as exigências do trabalho nos médicos oftalmologistas em um hospital universitário de Lisboa. Métodos: Avaliou-se a ocorrência de sintomas de fadiga visual por meio de um questionário de sintomas ­ Inventário de Eficiência Visual (IEV) ­ e pela determinação dos pontos próximos de acomodação e de convergência. Utilizou-se o teste de Schirmer para a avaliação da secreção lacrimal. Os resultados foram analisados com o auxílio da estatística descritiva, do coeficiente de Spearman e do teste de Wilcoxon para p<0,05. Resultados: Dos 27 médicos respondentes, a maioria refere fadiga visual (n=25), assim como a presença de olhos secos e o piscar frequentemente (n=27). Os resultados do teste de Shirmer evidenciam diferenças no final do dia de trabalho e os pontos próximos de acomodação e convergência evidenciam a presença de fadiga visual. Conclusões: Os resultados revelaram diferenças significativas entre o início e o final do dia de atividade profissional dos médicos oftalmologistas, indiciando a existência de fadiga visual ao final do dia de trabalho. Tal situação determina a necessidade de implementar um programa de vigilância da saúde para prevenir alterações visuais de natureza profissional.

Background: Visual demands, especially for near vision, are becoming increasingly more frequent at the workplace, and might cause visual fatigue or asthenopia. The tasks performed by ophthalmologists involve visual effort, raising interest in their study within the context of occupational health. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of visual complaints and its relationship to work demands among ophthalmologists at a university hospital in Lisbon. Methods: Occurrence of visual fatigue symptoms was assessed by means of a symptom questionnaire ­ College of Optometrists in Vision Development Quality of Life (COVD-QoL) ­ and through the identification of near points of accommodation and convergence. Schirmer's test was used to assess tear production. The results were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, Spearman's coefficient and the Wilcoxon test for p<0.05. Results: Most among the 27 analyzed physicians reported visual fatigue (n=25), dry eyes and frequent blinking (n=27). Schirmer's test evidenced differences at the end of the working day and the near points of accommodation and convergence indicated occurrence of visual fatigue. Conclusions: The results showed significant differences between the beginning and the end of the working day among ophthalmologists, with occurrence of visual fatigue at the end of the working day. These findings point to the need to implement a health surveillance program to prevent occupational visual disorders.

Asthenopia in bankers: identification and analysis of risk factors / Astenopia em bancários: identificação e análise dos fatores de risco

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of asthenopia in a cohort of bank employees and identify possible associated risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study based on information supplied by bankers in response to a standardized electronic questionnaire. Results: The questionnaire was responded by 945 bankers. The frequency of asthenopic symptoms was positively associated with female gender, age over 50 years, and reading or using the computer >6 hours a day. Conclusion: Asthenopic symptoms were found to be significantly associated with gender, age and time spent reading. The most frequently reported symptoms were headache and sore eyes.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a presença de astenopia em bancários e identificar possíveis fatores de risco associados. Metodos: Estudo transversal realizado por meio de informações obtidas em um questionário padronizado, aplicado eletronicamente à trabalhadores da categoria de bancários. Resultados: Responderam ao questionário 945 trabalhadores. Observou-se que a frequência dos sintomas de astenopia foi maior nos grupos que declararam usar computador ou ler por mais de 6 horas por dia. As queixas de astenopia foram significativamente maiores nos trabalhadores com mais de 50 anos e do sexo feminino. Conclusão: Este trabalho identificou uma associação positiva de queixas de astenopia em bancários em relação ao tempo de leitura, sexo e idade. Dentre os sintomas oculares associados à astenopia, foi encontrada uma maior prevalência de dor de cabeça e dor nos olhos.

Síndrome de visión de la computadora en trabajadores de dos bancos metropolitanos de un área de salud / Computer vision syndrome observed in employees from two Metropolitan Banks in a health area

El ordenador, si no se utiliza adecuadamente, produce trastornos en la salud. La causa de estas alteraciones está relacionada con factores ergonómicos visuales del entorno de trabajo y la exacerbación de problemas visuales ya existentes. Objetivo: describir características clínicas del síndrome de visión de la computadora en trabajadores de dos bancos metropolitanos de un área de salud. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal. La muestra la conformaron 40 trabajadores que refirieron sintomatología asociada al uso del ordenador y que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, síntomas, signos biomicroscópicos, afecciones oculares asociadas y tipo de defecto refractivo. Resultados: el 82,5 por ciento de los pacientes tenían más de 30 años, con edad media de 41,7 años. Por cada 12,3 mujeres diagnosticadas con síndrome de visión de la computadora se diagnosticó un hombre. Ojo rojo intermitente y visión borrosa resultaron los síntomas más frecuente y la inyección conjuntival el signo. Las afecciones oculares más frecuentes fueron las ametropías con 87,5 por ciento y ojo seco con 57,5 por ciento. Dentro de las ametropías predominó el astigmatismo con 43 por ciento de casos. Conclusiones: el síndrome de visión de la computadora es un problema de salud real en la actualidad. Las personas que pasan muchas horas frente al ordenador generalmente presentan antecedentes de afecciones oculares como ametropías y ojo seco, por lo que deben asistir al oftalmólogo(AU)

The computer, if not properly used, may cause health disorders. The cause is already related with visual ergonomic factors of the work environment and the exacerbation of already existing visual problems. Objective: to describe the clinical characteristics of the computer vision syndrome in employees from two metropolitan banks in a health area. Method: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. The sample made up of 40 workers who had symptoms associated to the use of computer and met the inclusion criteria. The study variables were age, sex, symptoms, biomicroscopy signs, other eye pathologies and type of refractive defect. Results: in the study group, 82,5 percent of the patients were older than 30 years old, being the mean age of 41,7 years. One man per 12,3 women was diagnosed with the computer vision syndrome. Intermittent red eye and blurred vision were the most frequent symptoms and the conjunctival injection was the sign. The most frequent ocular pathologies turned to be the ametropia with 87,5 percent and dry eye with 57,5 percent of cases. Astigmatism prevailed in 43 percent of the group. Conclusions: the computer vision syndrome is a real health problem at the present time people that spend many hours working with computer generally show eye alterations as ametropia and dry eye, and they should go to the ophthalmologist(AU)

Prevalence of asthenopia in children: a systematic review with meta-analysis / Prevalência de astenopia em crianças: análise sistemática com metanálise

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of asthenopia in 0-18 year-old children through a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence studies.SOURCES: Inclusion criteria were population-based studies from 1960 to May of 2014 reporting the prevalence of asthenopia in children. The search was performed independently by two reviewers in the PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACS databases, with no language restriction. This systematic review was performed in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and the PRISMA Statement. Downs and Black score was used for quality assessment.SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Out of 1692 potentially relevant citations retrieved from electronic databases and searches of reference lists, 26 were identified as potentially eligible. Five of these studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 2465 subjects. Pooled prevalence of asthenopia was 19.7% (12.4-26.4%). The majority of children with asthenopia did not present visual acuity or refraction abnormalities. The largest study evaluated 1448 children aged 6 years and estimated a prevalence of 12.6%. Associated risk factors were not clearly established.CONCLUSION: Although asthenopia is a frequent and relevant clinical problem in childhood, with potential consequences for learning, the scarcity of studies about the prevalence and clinical impact of asthenopia hinders the effective planning of public health measures.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de astenopia em crianças até 18 anos por meio de uma análise sistemática e uma metanálise dos estudos de prevalência.FONTES DOS DADOS: Os critérios de inclusão foram estudos de base populacional de 1960 a maio de 2014 que relataram prevalência de astenopia em crianças. A busca foi feita de maneira independente por dois analisadores nas bases de dados PubMed, Embase e Lilacs, sem restrição de idioma. Essa análise sistemática foi feita de acordo com as diretrizes da Colaboração Cochrane e com a Declaração dos Itens de Relatório Preferidos para Análises Sistemáticas e Metanálise (Prisma). A escala Downs & Black foi usada para avaliação da qualidade.SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: De 1.692 citações possivelmente relevantes recuperadas de bases de dados eletrônicas e buscas de listas de referência, 26 foram identificadas como possivelmente elegíveis. Cinco desses estudos atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e incluíram 2.465 indivíduos. A prevalência total de astenopia foi de 19,7% (12,4-26,4%). A maioria das crianças com astenopia não apresentava anomalias de acuidade visual ou refração. O maior estudo avaliou 1.448 crianças de seis anos, com prevalência estimada de 12,6%. Os fatores de risco associados não foram claramente estabelecidos.CONCLUSÃO: Embora a astenopia seja um problema clínico frequente e relevante na infância, com possíveis consequências para o aprendizado, a escassez de estudos sobre a prevalência e o impacto clínico da astenopia prejudica o planejamento efetivo das medidas de saúde pública.

Prevalence of asthenopia in children: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of asthenopia in 0-18 year-old children through a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence studies. SOURCES: Inclusion criteria were population-based studies from 1960 to May of 2014 reporting the prevalence of asthenopia in children. The search was performed independently by two reviewers in the PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACS databases, with no language restriction. This systematic review was performed in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and the PRISMA Statement. Downs and Black score was used for quality assessment. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Out of 1692 potentially relevant citations retrieved from electronic databases and searches of reference lists, 26 were identified as potentially eligible. Five of these studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 2465 subjects. Pooled prevalence of asthenopia was 19.7% (12.4-26.4%). The majority of children with asthenopia did not present visual acuity or refraction abnormalities. The largest study evaluated 1448 children aged 6 years and estimated a prevalence of 12.6%. Associated risk factors were not clearly established. CONCLUSION: Although asthenopia is a frequent and relevant clinical problem in childhood, with potential consequences for learning, the scarcity of studies about the prevalence and clinical impact of asthenopia hinders the effective planning of public health measures.

Risk factors for computer visual syndrome (CVS) among operators of two call centers in São Paulo, Brazil.

The aims of this study were to investigate work conditions, to estimate the prevalence and to describe risk factors associated with Computer Vision Syndrome among two call centers' operators in São Paulo (n = 476). The methods include a quantitative cross-sectional observational study and an ergonomic work analysis, using work observation, interviews and questionnaires. The case definition was the presence of one or more specific ocular symptoms answered as always, often or sometimes. The multiple logistic regression model, were created using the stepwise forward likelihood method and remained the variables with levels below 5% (p < 0.05). The operators were mainly female and young (from 15 to 24 years old). The call center was opened 24 hours and the operators weekly hours were 36 hours with break time from 21 to 35 minutes per day. The symptoms reported were eye fatigue (73.9%), "weight" in the eyes (68.2%), "burning" eyes (54.6%), tearing (43.9%) and weakening of vision (43.5%). The prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome was 54.6%. Associations verified were: being female (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6 to 4.1), lack of recognition at work (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.8), organization of work in call center (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.7) and high demand at work (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.3). The organization and psychosocial factors at work should be included in prevention programs of visual syndrome among call centers' operators.

Fatores de risco para a síndrome visual associada ao uso do computador em operadores de duas centrais de teleatendimento em São Paulo, Brasil / Risk factors for visual syndrome associated with the use of computer operators in two telemarketing centers in Sao Paulo, Brazil

A síndrome visual associada ao uso do computador (CVS) é um dos distúrbios oculares que vem sendo estudado atualmente por sua alta prevalência mundial e por ser cada vez mais frequente em determinadas profissões. O objetivo deste estudo é estimar a prevalência desta síndrome entre operadores de duas centrais de atendimento telefônico de Sao Paulo (n= 476), através de uma pesquisa quantitativa de estudo observacional transversal, com o uso de um questionário estruturado. As questões foram divididas em: sócio-demográficas, habitos de estilo de vida, história ocupacional, situação de trabalho, fatores de satisfação, fatores de incômodo no trabalho e fatores psicossociais relacionados ao trabalho. A definição de caso foi dada a partir do conceito de Computer Vision Syndrome de Blehm et al. (2005), ou seja, pela presença de um ou mais sintomas oculares especificos verificados, com frequência maior ou igual a alternativa às vezes. A análise estatística foi realizada a partir do estudo das frequências absolutas e relativas e verificada a associação através do teste do chi-quadrado. Foi criado o modelo de regressão logística múltipla utilizando stepwise forward pelo método da razao de verossimilhanças com as variáveis que apresentaram níveis de significância nos testes bivariados inferiores a 20 por cento (p < 0,20) ou variáveis de suma importância clínica para explicação do distúrbio ocular. Permaneceram no modelo final as variáveis que apresentaram níveis descritivos inferiores a 5 por cento (p < 0,05). Os sintomas referidos foram: cansaço nas vistas (73,9 por cento); peso nos olhos (68,2 por cento), queimação nos olhos (54,6 por cento), lacrimejamento (43,9 por cento) e enfraquecimento da visão (43,5 por cento). A prevalência da CVS foi de 54,6 por cento entre os operadores estudados. Foi verificada ainda associação entre: ser mulher (OR 2,6; IC95 por cento 1,6-4,1); falta de reconhecimento no trabalho (OR 1,4; IC95 por cento 1,1-1,8); organização do trabalho em teleatendimento (OR 1,4; IC95 por cento 1,1-1,7) e demanda de trabalho (OR 1,1; IC95 por cento 1,0-1,3). Neste estudo, concluiu-se pela importância das características da organização e dos fatores psicossociais no trabalho como associados à presença de CVS nos operadores de teleatendimento.

Prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, eyestrain and stress related illnesses among Video-Display Unit workers at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus

Computer workers represent the fastest growing sector of the economy. All aspects of office work are now changing. The introduction of new technology and the automation of office work brings with it avenues for the improvement in the overall working conditions. They also present new challenges. The health issues related to work within these new "electronic offices" have long been a major focus of both workers and their organisations. Ergonomics as a science, has sought to bring a better fit of office work to the worker, and is expected to play a major role in the continued automation of the "electronic offices". This study represents a cross-sectional survey done among Video Display Unit (VDU) workers at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus. on the self-reported prevalence of Upper Extremities Musculoskeletal Disorders (UEMSD), Eyestrain (ES), and Stress Related Illnesses (SRI). The results show a prevalence Eyestrain (ES) at 53.3 per 100, Lower Back Pain (LBP) at 50.0 per 100, Recurrent Shoulder Pain (RSP) at 46.7 per 100, Cervical Myalgia (CM) at 40.0 per 100, Stress Related Illnesses (SRI) at 30.0 per 100, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at 3.3 per 100. The level of job satisfaction among workers surveyed was found to be low. The majority of workers taking part in the study had knowledge of ergonomics and its role as an instrument to improve office work and the health and well being of the worker. This level of knowledge of ergonomics was not translated into practice, and some non-ergonomic conditions were reported in some departments.(Au)

[Risk factors for asthenopia among computer terminal operators]. / Factores de riesgo para la astenopía en operadores de terminales de computadoras.

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of asthenopia among computer terminal operators as compared to unexposed administrative workers and to identify the risk factors associated with this condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 35 computer terminal operators and 70 unexposed administrative workers from eight computing centers at an educational institution were included in the study. The risk factors studied were: lighting, contrast, type of lighting, screen type, electrostatic field, eye to monitor distance, time and number of hours worked, age, use of corrective lenses, seniority and overtime. Asthenopia was clinically identified as the presence of at least one sign and symptom present in a given workday. RESULTS: Asthenopia was found in 68.5% of the exposed group and in 47.7% of the unexposed group (p < 0.05). Among the risk factors studied, working for more than four hours at the video display terminal was shown to have a significant association with asthenopia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A recommendation is made to take breaks during the workday at computer terminals in order to avoid visual fatigue. Also, more extensive studies should be carried out in our population to establish safety criteria and to standardize work activities using computer terminals.