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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of digital eye strain (DES) among adolescents in a child psychiatry clinic and examine its association with problematic Internet use and digital game addiction (DGA). |
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Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 244 adolescents aged 11-18 years attending a child psychiatry outpatient clinic. Participants completed the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire, Problematic Internet Use Scale-Adolescent (PIUS-A), and Digital Gaming Addiction Scale (DGAS-7). A digi- tal habits questionnaire was also administered. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for DES. |
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Results: The prevalence of DES was 53.3% among the study sample. Digital eye strain showed a moderate positive correlation with PIUS-A scores (r = 0.426, P < .001) and a weak but significant positive correlation with DGAS-7 scores (r=0.168, P < .009). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher PIUS-A scores (OR = 1.045, 95% CI 1.032-1.069), DGA (OR = 2.364, 95% CI 1.071-5.236), increased digital device use after the pandemic (OR=2.932, 95% CI 1.589-5.411), and not taking breaks (OR=2.151, 95% CI 1.033-4.478) were significant risk factors for DES. |
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Conclusion: Digital eye strain is highly prevalent among adolescents in child psychiatry clinics and is sig- nificantly associated with problematic Internet use and DGA. These findings highlight the need for psycho- education and interventions to promote healthier digital habits and increase awareness of ocular health implications in this population. |