Estimating the awareness and knowledge of computer vision syndrome and its risk factors among healthcare-related students in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia

Background: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) involves a series of both ocular and extraocular symptoms; its prevalence is increasing globally and it is an expanding health concern related to technology due to people’s continuous use of computers. Our study surveyed healthcare students from different healthcare-related colleges in the Makkah region of western Saudi Arabia. We compared the knowledge and awareness of CVS and recommended strategies to bridge this knowledge gap. Methods: A survey-based cross-sectional study was carried out among healthcare-related students in different medical colleges at Umm Al-Qura University between March and September 2021. Results: The number of participants in the current study was 463. Their mean age was 3.93 ± 1.20 years. Altogether, 251 (54.2%) participants were women and 212 (45.8%) were men. The majority were fifth-year students, while intern students were the least represented. The College of Medicine represented the highest proportion among the colleges. The majority of students were single. Moreover, the associations between the level of awareness and participants’ age, gender, and academic year were significantly positive. Conclusion: Participants’ age, gender, and academic year showed a significant relationship with their level of awareness compared to the other demographic categories.