Prevalence and Associated Factors of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Peshawar: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Computer vision syndrome is increasingly relevant among health sciences students because academic learning and daily communication depend heavily on digital devices.

Objective: This study determined the prevalence of CVS and its associated factors among undergraduate nursing students in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2025 among 377 undergraduate nursing students aged 18-25 years. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, digital-device exposure, ergonomic practices, and CVS-Smart diagnostic items. A CVS-Smart score of 7-10 was considered a positive CVS case. Data were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Spearman correlation, and binary logistic regression were applied.

Results: The mean age of the Participants was 21.5 ± 3.5 years, and 74.8% were women. The prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) was found to be 46.9%. Important variables that could predict CVS included gender, more time spent on screen, viewing distance less than 30 cm, poor body position, inadequate break time, and refractive disorders.

Conclusion: CVS was common among undergraduate nursing students in Peshawar. Preventive strategies should emphasize limiting prolonged screen exposure, maintaining adequate viewing distance, correcting refractive errors, improving posture, and adopting regular 20-20-20 breaks.