Computer vision syndrome and its associated ergonomic factors among bank workers

Abstract

Objectives. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of ergonomic factors associated with computer vision syndrome (CVS), and knowledge and practices of computer usage among bank workers in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Methods. A comprehensive eye examination was performed for 139 bankers in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Measurements of ergonomic practices at workstations were carried out and self-administered questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic data, symptoms of CVS and associated factors as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices of the bankers on CVS. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were carried out to compute the different proportions and relevant associations. Results. Headaches (73.4%), eyestrain (65.5%) and itching (63.3%) were the most common reported symptoms. The prevalence of CVS in the study population was 71.2% with a high level of poor ergonomic practices (78.4%) at computer workstations. With regard to knowledge, attitudes and practices of the participants on CVS, 68.3% of the participants had low levels of knowledge on CVS, while 90.6% had negative attitudes towards CVS and 46.0% of the participants had poor practices. Conclusion. Bankers had a high prevalence of CVS. Ergonomic practices, females and computer usage were all associated significantly with the presence of CVS.

Keywords:

• computer vision syndrome
• prevalence
• ergonomics
• bankers
• Ghana

Acknowledgements

The authors of this work wish to dedicate this study to co-principal investigator Dr Michael Nyame Essoun who passed away before the publication of this article. The authors are again grateful to the bankers who participated in the study in spite of their busy schedule.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplemental data and research materials

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at <10.1080/10803548.2021.1897260>

Ethical clearance

This study was performed in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki and approval was sought from the Institutional Review Board of the University of Cape Coast (UCCIRB/CHAS/2018/63).