Digital Strain and its Impact on Visual and Auditory Health in an Online Learning Environment: A Cross-sectional Study

Ramadevi Kumar; Gothainayagi Arumugam; Rangeela Ravi; Samuraj Nehru; Sasirekha Nedunchezian; Sevvanthi Kumar

doi:10.55489/njcm.160520254801

Authors

Ramadevi Kumar Vinayaka Mission’s College of Nursing, Puducherry, India
Gothainayagi Arumugam School of Allied Health Sciences, SBV Karaikal Campus, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Puducherry, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4755-5295
Rangeela Ravi Vinayaka Mission’s College of Nursing, Puducherry, India
Samuraj Nehru Vinayaka Mission’s College of Nursing, Puducherry, India
Sasirekha Nedunchezian Vinayaka Mission’s College of Nursing, Puducherry, India
Sevvanthi Kumar Department of Biostatistics, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital, Puducherry, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.160520254801

Keywords:

Auditory health, COVID-19 pandemic, Digital strain, Online learning, School children, Visual health

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns extended beyond respiratory health to include visual and auditory well-being in school-aged children. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of digital device-related visual and auditory strain in children.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study using simple random sample technique as well as multistage cluster sampling was carried out at selected schools at Puducherry, India, from January 2022 to May 2022. Using a self-administered questionnaire, demographic information as well as digital-related visual and auditory strain were evaluated.

Results: Of the 268 participants, 5.6% reported having moderate digital eye strain and 27.6% had mild digital eye strain. Students reported burning sensations (35.07%), dryness (20.14%), and itching (37.68%) as common visual discomforts. In the meantime, 7.5% of respondents reported significant auditory strain, and 10.4% reported mild strain. Ear irritation (17.91%), ear infections (7.46%), ringing in the ears (16.79%), and ear blockage (13.43%) are among the symptoms. Risk factors for eye strain included participant age (P=0.020), wearing spectacles (P<0.001), the number of hours spent using a device outside of class (P=0.009), and the distance between the device and the user (P=0.018). Age (P<0.05), sex (P<0.001), students' grade (P<0.001), hours spent (P<0.05), and headphone use (P<0.001) were all significantly correlated with auditory strain.

Conclusions: The hybrid learning environment posed diverse challenges for students, highlighting the significant impact of both visual and auditory health. The findings advocate for proactive measures for students’ overall health.

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