Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on the Use of Mobile Phone Light Among Students in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract:

Digital eye strain is a public health problem. It is the number one occupational hazard of the 21st century. It causes considerable reduction in productivity in working environment. In today’s world, the use of smartphone is a necessity for majority of people, but not many of them consider the medical consequences of using smartphones.15 The aim of this work was to assess the knowledge, attitude and prevention practices on the use of mobile phone light among ABU students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in May, 2023 using a multi-stage sampling method to select 153 students of ABU, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of an adapted, pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using SPSS and Microsoft excel statistical software. The results were presented in frequency tables. The Chi-square test was used to assess the associations between categorical variables. The level of significance was set at <5% Up to 61.4% of the respondents were within the age group 21 and 25 years. A total of 75.8% of the respondents had good knowledge of digital eye strain, with a mean score of 1.71. Another 66% of the respondents followed healthy practices regarding digital eye strain, with a mean score of 0.66. However, the attitude was negative among majority of the respondents, as only 34% of the respondents had positive attitude towards digital eye strain. The study indicates that despite the good level of knowledge and healthy practices regarding digital eye strain among ABU students, majority of them still have negative attitude towards digital eye strain. Educational strategies to raise awareness on digital eye strain were recommended.