Abstract

Background
Asthenopia contributes to visual tiredness, and lack of sleep leading to low mental state, thus students put off completing their coursework, which negatively affects their academic performance. With limited information on the risk factors associated with asthenopia at the University of Sunderland. This study aimed to assess the potential risk factors associated with asthenopia among students at the University of Sunderland, North-East England.
Method
This cross-sectional research was conducted between May and August 2023 with 400 participants. A validated questionnaire was used to obtain responses. Descriptive and correlational statistics (bivariate analysis) were conducted to establish associations between asthenopia and potential risk variables, binary logistic regression was utilised to calculate the odds ratio.
Results
Females were more dominant (53.4) compared to males (46.6%), the prevalence of asthenopia was 69.9%, and headache 53.7% was the most prevalent symptom. Participants within age 43 and above were negatively associated with the development of asthenopia (r=-0.115, p<0.028, 95% Cl-0.215/-0.012). Asian Ethnic group had an odds ratio of 0.660 times (95% Cl=0.742-1.208, P<0.001). Astigmatism was significantly associated with asthenopia (r=0.107, p=<0.041, 95%Cl 0.04/0.207) and the odds ratio (OR) was 1.499 times (95% Cl, 0.99/2.257). Participants who studied (>6 hours) were 2.889 times more prone to developing asthenopia.
Conclusion
Refractive error (astigmatism), time spent of digital device (>6hours) and age (43years above) were associated with asthenopia. Asian ethnic group was shown to have lesser likelihood of experiencing asthenopia. Anti-reflective glasses and eye drop were good protective measures for reducing asthenopia.