Digital Screen Research Articles

Understanding the Influence of Digital Interaction on Mental Health and Wellbeing Among Young Adults

This paper examines the effects of digital interaction on mental health and well-being. The study is based on a survey of 282 respondents, which explored their usage patterns, attitudes, and the relationships affected by digital interaction. The findings suggest that individuals addicted to digital screens should reduce their usage. Additionally, if any issues arise, they should seek help for their mental well-being, engage in open dialogue discussions, and advocate for legal safeguards. The implications of these findings for digital well-being are discussed, and recommendations are made for individuals to balance their lives for well-being despite the negative effects of digital interactions.

Opportunities to optimise care and choice in joint replacement surgery using a digitally delivered, holistic PreHab pathway.

To describe the implementation and evaluation of a hospital-initiated, community-based, digital prehabilitation program (My PreHab Program: MPP) for adults referred for elective joint replacement. MPP was implemented July 2022 and comprises a personalised digital health screen that guides the provision of self-management resources. Adults (>18years) referred and accepted, or already waitlisted, for total knee/hip replacement surgery were eligible. Individuals requiring category 1 (urgent) or emergency surgery and those without a mobile phone were excluded. Implementation and intervention outcome measures (program adoption, equity of reach, fidelity, acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, engagement, preliminary surgical outcomes) were explored via study-specific measures and hospital records. Of those invited (N = 689), 77.8% participated. Participants and non-participants were similar in key demographic variables except regional invitees were more likely to participate than metropolitan (88.0% vs 75.4%, p = .002) and non-participants tended to be older (median age = 69.0 vs 64.0, p = .005). Participants reported on average four modifiable risk factors: most commonly chronic pain (79.1%), obesity (57.3%), and frailty (40.9%). Most participants (80.4%) reviewed all resources provided and reported action/intention to address issues identified (90.9%). Participants perceived MPP as acceptable (3.2/5), appropriate (3.3/5), and feasible (3.4/5). Early trends for participants progressing to surgery (n = 33) show a reduced length of stay (MPP = 4.3, baseline = 5.3 days). MPP demonstrated high adoption, fidelity, and participant engagement. It is acceptable, appropriate and feasible and has the potential to be scaled-up digitally at low-cost. Modifiable risk factors were prevalent and early indications suggest this preoperative intervention may benefit both patients and the healthcare system.

Protocol for evaluating the fitness for purpose of an artificial intelligence product for radiology reporting in the BreastScreen New South Wales breast cancer screening programme

IntroductionRadiologist shortages threaten the sustainability of breast cancer screening programmes. Artificial intelligence (AI) products that can interpret mammograms could mitigate this risk. While previous studies have suggested this technology has...

A cross-sectional study of sleep quality in urban and rural adolescents with reference to their digital exposure

Abstract Background: With the widespread use of digital devices and increased screen time among adolescents, concerns have arisen regarding its potential impact on sleep quality. This study aims to investigate the correlation between excessive screen time and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global scores in adolescents. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 167 adolescents aged 10–19 years residing in rural and urban areas. Participants completed self-report questionnaires evaluating their screen time habits and sleep quality using the PSQI. Excessive screen time was defined as more than 2 h per day of exposure to digital screens, and an abnormal PSQI global score was defined as more than 5. Statistical analyses, including unpaired t test, Spearman’s correlation, and chi-square test, were employed to examine the association between excessive screen time and PSQI global scores. Results: The results revealed a significant positive correlation between excessive screen time and abnormal PSQI scores in adolescents (r = 0.623, P < 0.001). Adolescents reporting excessive screen time were significantly more prone to abnormal PSQI scores compared to those with lower screen time (P < 0.0001, t = 9.63, degree of freedom = 165). Conclusion: This study highlights a correlation between excessive screen time and abnormal sleep quality in adolescents, as assessed by the PSQI. These findings underscore the importance of promoting healthy screen time habits among adolescents to mitigate potential adverse effects on their sleep quality and overall health. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying this relationship and to develop effective interventions to address this issue.

The digital citizenship of children with autism: Challenges, considerations and educational needs of paediatric practitioners

AbstractThis exploratory study examined paediatric practitioners' challenges and considerations when they support caregivers and children with autism regarding children's screen use. Current research often focuses on the problematic use of screen time among children with autism. No clear strategies or recommendations for clinicians to support the beneficial use of screens exist yet in the field. Participants in the study were 15 experienced paediatric practitioners invited to participate in semistructured interviews that were analysed using summative content analysis. Practitioners expressed the urgent need for accessible and valuable educational resources to guide digital citizenship and screen time use for their clients with autism. This exploratory study provides an initial roadmap for the educational needs of paediatric practitioners supporting positive screen use and digital citizenship of autistic children.

Auditory Learner

Auditory Learner

Screen media-based devices usage patterns: Comparison between digital immigrant parents and digital native adolescents

Smartphones are frequently the subject of digital screen media-based research due to their popularity. Other screen devices, such as computers, conventional TV, laptops, smart TV, and tablets, which have a significant impact on children’s and adolescents’ psychological behaviors, are rarely covered. Parents are considered the active agents who can regulate adolescents screen-based media use and control online risks. Parents of adolescents in developing countries are digital immigrants, and their consumption patterns of screen devices must be studied before exploring their media usage regulatory strategies for children and adolescents. To gather information on screen device usage patterns, including availability, usage, ownership, and screen time, a quantitative technique approach was used in the study. A statistical analysis was performed on survey data collected from 447 parent-adolescent dyadic samples (n=894). Results show a positive association between socio-economic status and the number of screen devices present in households. Parents and adolescents spend the same amount of screen time on conventional TV and smart TV as they do on smartphones. Tablets were the least used, but they had more screen time than laptops and computers. Screen time is associated with the intended use of the device. Screen time spent per device by digital immigrant parents is quite like that of their digital-native adolescents. Girls use smartphones often; boys spend more screen time with them. Parents’ screen-based media usage practices should also be regulated, as they highly influence their children’s screen time.

Evaluation of the Impact of Screen Time and Parental Play on Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in Comparison with Normal Children

Background: There is a decremental trend seen in parental play in recent times, and there is a mounting trend in screen exposure in children. This changing trend in parental play and screen time exposure may affect child social and communication domains.Objective: To assess the impact of screen time and parental play in children with autism spectrum disorder.Methodology: This is a comparative cross sectional study with a sample of 60 children. Thirty children of age group 2-6 years diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as per DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) attending child guidance Clinic, Government Hospital for Mental care were included in the study.The Parental Play Questionnaire assessed parental play in children. The Digital Screen Exposure Questionnaire(DSEQ) evaluated child screen time exposure. The severity of ASD was assessed by using the CARS scale.Results: Out of thirty samples with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 60% of children had moderate ASD, while 20% accounted for mild and severe ASD. Nearly 53.3% of ASD children had a frequency of watching smartphones more than 5 times a week with an average duration of more than 2 hours a day. In contrast, in normal children, only 6.7% have such frequency and an average time of watching smartphones less than 1 hour, significant with a p-value of <0.001. Among the ASD group, 80% of children had active physical parent-child play frequency of less than twice a week. In normal children, about 60% had a frequency of parent-child play several times daily.(p-value <0.001). About 66.7% of ASD children never had to pretend play, and 30% had pretend play once a week.Conclusion: The result showed significantly higher screen time exposure and lack of parental play in childrenwith ASD than in normal children. The need of this digital era is mounting concern about reducing screen time exposure and increasing parental play in childhood.

The Use of Hand-Held Digital Otoscope as a Basic Nasal Endoscopy Tool for Lacrimal Evaluation and Pedagogy Instrument

Purpose To investigate the utility of a hand-held digital otoscope for nasal endoscopy and as a pedagogy tool for residents and fellows in patients undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery Methods A digital otoscope (MS450-NTE, Teslong Inc., USA) comprising a digital screen device and a connectible camera probe was used for performing nasal endoscopy. Inspection of nasal cavities was performed pre-, intra-, and post-operatively in sequential patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction, who underwent DCR or lacrimal probing. Images (1920 × 1080 pixels) and videos (1280 × 720 pixels) were captured. The device was also used for training residents and fellows in performing nasal endoscopy, and to teach basic concepts. Results The digital otoscope could be used for routine outpatient nasal examination and for performing minor procedures. 53.8% (n = 13) of ophthalmology trainees had never observed nasal endoscopy and 84.6% could not identify more than one major structure correctly prior to the current training. Post-training, all trainees could independently perform nasal endoscopy with the device and 76.9% identified all structures correctly. Conclusion A digital otoscope with a camera probe is a handy tool for nasal endoscopy and pedagogy. Low-cost gadgets such as this device can effectively be used for performing outpatient nasal endoscopy when expensive endoscopes are unavailable and in peripheral healthcare centers.

Prevalence and Effect of Computer Vision Syndrome during COVID-19: among Bangladeshi People

Background: Global pandemic has devastated almost every aspect of life. "Spatial distancing" involves creating and maintaining safe social distance, shifting the world away from public locations and toward isolation. Remote working has become a demand in these historically unique times, and technology is a need for human life as a link to the outside world. People use technology to interact, communicate, and complete activities. Online meetings, audio and video conferencing, and leisure activities like online gaming, blogging, and social networking have virtualized human interaction, leading to a rapid digitalization of human life. The increased usage of video display terminals (VDTs) predisposes to a range of problems. Digital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome (CVS) refers to a group of health disorders that include not only visual issues but also musculoskeletal issues. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of CVS and to examine the use of digital screens, common symptoms, and related variables. The findings could in the future provide vital, detailed health information to all online users. Methods and Materials: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st July to 31st December, 2021. A total of 429 people participated in the study and majority of the participants were students and teachers involved in digital class rooms for academic purposes. A survey questionnaire was distributed on social media channels. Regular users of digital screens were provided with Google forms through social media. It includes both a questionnaire and an informed consent form. Results: Out of 429 participants in, 59.9% were females and 36.13% males. The maximum age group were from between 18-27, 58.9%, while the least were from 58 and above, 2%. The major digital screen platforms used by them were smartphone/tablet, 97.9%, television, 70.8% and computer laptop, 66.8%. The utilization of digital screens was categorized under ..........

Descriptive on The Factors of Myopia on Medical Students of Muslim University of Indonesia

Myopia is the most common refractive error found in the world. Myopia or nearsightedness is a refractive error that has a high prevalence in the world, especially in East Asia and Southeast Asia, with a prevalence of 80-90% in teenagers. Various studies have found factors related to the occurrence of myopia, such as genetic factors and environmental factors, such as near-work activities and its duration, lack of outdoor activities, and use of devices with digital screens. The aim of the research is to determine the relationship between these risk factors and the incidence of myopia in class of 2021 medical students of Muslim University Of Indonesia. The type of research used is analytical observational with a cross sectional study design. The sampling technique was a total sampling with 277 respondents. Data analysis method uses bivariate and multivariate analysis and is processed using chi-square statistical test and logistic regression test. There were 40 students whose myopia was confirmed or increased during learning. It was found that there was a relationship between risk factors for near-work activities and its duration and the use of devices with digital screens on the incidence of myopia with Chi Square test results of p=0.013 and p=0.045 respectively. Meanwhile, no relationship was found for other variables. The conclusion of this study is that the risk factors that most influence the incidence of myopia are near-work activities and its duration and the use of devices with digital screens.

Perceptions of Caregivers Towards Screen Use by Children: A Focus Group Study

The recent advancement of technology has led to a significant increase in the access and use of digital devices by children of all ages. This study explores the perceptions of caregivers regarding the use of digital screens by children aged 0–13 years. To select the sample, an initial open webinar was held, involving approximately 100 participants. From this group, thirteen attendees volunteered to participate in a focus group, from which finally five mothers participated. During the session, the participants discussed the benefits and risks of technology, the guidelines and strategies they use to promote a healthy use of technology by their children, and their fears related to the topic. Results reveal that most of participants' children occasionally use digital devices in their leisure time and usually use the computer for homework. Their main concern is addiction, and although all of them apply strategies to regulate screen time. all feel that society pressures them to encourage children to use digital devices. They also highlight the need for further research to provide society with adequate digital education. These results are consistent with the literature and are useful for better understanding the concerns and strategies of parents regarding their children's screen time. The results of the study can be incorporated into the development of further outreach to families.

Computer Vision Syndrome in Medical Students - Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP) Study

BACKGROUND
 The use of computers and visual display devices has become an integral part of our lives. As a result, a large number of people around the world are suffering from various ocular symptoms, including dry eyes, ocular strain, eye irritation, and ocular redness. All of these ocular symptoms are commonly called computer vision syndrome. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, community knowledge, and pathophysiology of computer vision syndrome, as well as the factors associated with and preventing CVS.
 METHODS
 A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 medical students and the data was collected through a structured, web-based, and self-administered questionnaire, which was pre tested and pre-validated.
 RESULTS
 In this study, 38.7% had a pre-existing knowledge on CVS. 94.67% of the respondents reported having mild to moderate symptoms of dry eyes. It is found that people use screens mostly for social media and entertainment. Long hours spent on the small screen led to sleep disturbances in about 56% of the students. According to our survey, 54% of the students used spectacles and frequent change of spectacles was present. About 40% of the students used topical eye drops prescribed by ophthalmologist.
 CONCLUSIONS
 The increasing use of digital screen and prevalence of computer vision syndrome. When combined with increased screen time, dry eyes and good quality sleep can lead to serious health problems like learning difficulties and operative errors, which may pose a challenge in the modern era. Right education, attitude and practice regarding CVS are required to all the medical students due to their increased dependency on digital devices. Proper practice and preventive measures are necessary for a doctor /surgeon for health benefit of the patients and community.

Evaluating the BBC’s L2 approach to teaching English consonants online: A digitally oriented pedagogic phonetic analysis

The vast majority of online L2 teaching platforms have always remained preoccupied with digitalising demonstrable pedagogic practices that facilitate the learners’ comprehension of linguistic input on the digital screen. This is particularly observable in the field of L2 phonetics where instructors’ performance (vocalic, facial, and bodily) typically reflects such pedagogic practices based on their theoretical knowledge of the field. However, it is not always the case that instructors’ pedagogic-phonetic performance can demonstrate or stage this form of phonetics knowledge, even with the ubiquitous presence of Internet ‘digital gadgets’ that are technologically enabled by L2 teaching platforms online. As a corollary to this problem, the present study continues and develops previous research conducted by the author on a pedagogic-phonetic critique of the BBC’s Internet-based L2 teaching of English vowels. A synthetic methodology of Bernstein’s model of Pedagogic Recontextualising Field (PRF) and Moinuddin’s theoretical notion of ‘digital gadgets’ is utilised as DPRF to demonstrate how the BBC’s online L2 teaching of English consonantal pronunciations, though digitally transforming text-theoretic phonetics descriptions, has partially failed to employ crucial aspects of pronunciation pertaining specifically to voicing and manner of articulation. The research data comprises 22 video-based screenshots drawn from the BBC Learning English website with materials archived for public use. Informed by the above synthetic methodology of DPRF, the present study concluded that the BBC’s online teaching of English consonants has set up what can be described as a partial digital PRF; this has been ascribed to the proven hypothesis that the BBC-based website proffers a restricted space for digitally recontextualising ‘visible’ practices associated with consonantal pronunciation to the exclusion of phonetically productive aspects of L2 teaching segmental units of English consonants. As such, these aspects are recommended to be incorporated into the phonetic-pedagogic practices afforded by the BBC’s digital PRF (DPRF).

Ocular surface changes during COVID-19 pandemic among university faculty members with dry eye disease in northern India: A longitudinal study

ObjectiveThe pandemic has brought a paradigm shift in pedagogical modalities throughout the world, with a resultant increase in screen time and ultra-violet light exposure among both students and teachers. The current study was conducted to analyze ocular surface changes in university faculty members with dry eye disease (DED) during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among university faculty members of a medical university in India. An online questionnaire was sent via social media from December 2020 to January 2021, which consisted of questions on demographic details, DED symptoms and use of visual display terminals. All those participants who had DED based on Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score were followed-up after one month when the pandemic had subsided. ResultsOut of the 150 faculty members in the university, 130 completed the survey (response rate 86.7%). The number of participants with symptomatic DED based on OSDI score was 111 (85.3%). All these participants showed a statistically significant change in subjective measurement of DED symptoms after one month, using OSDI questionnaire. ConclusionDED symptoms increased during the pandemic and there was a statistically significant change in the OSDI scores suggestive of ocular surface damage and a positive relationship with increased digital screen time. The finding has implications as targeted interventions need to be undertaken to mitigate the effects of increased screentime, especially among populations with more duration of near work using digital screens.

Analysis of risk factors associated with pre-myopia among primary school students in the Mianyang Science City.

Objectives To find out the prevalence rate of pre-myopia among primary school students in the Mianyang Science City Area, analyze its related risk factors, and thus provide a reference for local authorities to formulate policies on the prevention and control of myopia for primary school students. Methods From September to October 2021, Cluster sampling was adopted by our research group to obtain the vision levels of primary school students employing a diopter test in the Science City Area. In addition, questionnaires were distributed to help us find the risk factors associated with pre-myopia. Through the statistical analysis, we identify the main risk factors for pre-myopia and propose appropriate interventions. Results The prevalence rate of pre-myopia among primary school students in the Science City Area was 45.27% (1020/2253), of which 43.82% were boys and 46.92% were girls, with no statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of myopia between boys and girls (2 =2.171, P=0.141). The results of the linear trend test showed that the prevalence rate of pre-myopia tends to decrease with increasing age (Z=296.521, P=0.000). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the main risk factors for pre-myopia were having at least one parent with myopia, spending less than 2 hours a day outdoors, using the eyes continuously for more than 1 hour, looking at electronic screens for more than 2 hours, and having an improper reading and writing posture. Conclusion The Science City Area has a high prevalence rate of pre-myopia among primary school students. It is proposed that students, schools, families, and local authorities work together to increase the time spent outdoors, reduce digital screens and develop scientific use of eye habits.

Digital eye strain and its associated factors among radiology physicians in Pakistan: a cross-sectional survey using logistic regression analysis.

Increased use of digital devices in the modern era has led to the development of digital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome in their users. This can result in the development of various ocular and visual symptoms among them. In this study, the authors aimed to view the prevalence of digital eye strain among radiology physicians in Pakistan and their associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate occupational DES among radiology physicians in Pakistan. The data collection was done using the convenience sampling technique, and the data were analyzed using IBM SPSS for Windows, Version 25.0. Out of the 247 respondents, 33.6% were males and 66.4% were females. 41.7% of them were between 30 and 40 years of age and 51.8% of them were radiology residents. 52.2% of the participants had a refractive error and were using a corrective lens. The majority of the radiologists in our study (84.2%) preferred picture archiving and communication system (PACS) over films and 82.2% of them reported having breaks of less than 15 min. Major symptoms reported by the participants were tired or heavy eyes (69.6%) and headache (69.3%). The proportion of developing DES was higher in females [P=0.001, adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.94], radiology residents (P=0.031, aOR=3.29), and working hours of more than 4 h per day (P<0.001, aOR=0.04). With recent advances in the field of radiology in Pakistan, the frequency of developing DES among radiologists is increasing. Being a female, having long working hours, and having noticeable flickers on the digital screens were among the significant factors in developing DES among radiologists.

An effort to understand parents’ media mediation roles and early childhood children's digital game addiction tendency: A descriptive correlational survey study

This study aims to determine whether parents' media mediation roles are related to their early childhood children's digital game addiction tendencies. In addition, it examines whether these variables are related to the child's and parent's digital device usage habits and whether they differ according to various sociodemographic variables and digital device usage habits. In this context, we collected data from 433 parents (mother = 336, father = 97) with children aged 3–6. We analyzed the data using correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, and t-test. Active-supportive, restrictive-supportive, active-limiting, restrictive-limiting, and active-interpreter roles of parents were negatively related to children's digital game addiction tendencies. In addition, parents' and children's digital device screen time was negatively associated with parents' media mediation roles and positively with children's digital game addiction tendencies. Mothers found their children more likely to have digital game addiction than fathers. Children of parents who play digital games have higher digital game addiction than those of parents who do not play, male children than female, children who have their own digital devices than those who do not, and children who only watch YouTube videos than those who only watch television channels for kids. Finally, we observed that mothers are more active in media mediation roles than fathers and that parents behave more restrictive toward their daughters.

Climate impacts of digital use supply chains

Information and communications technology (ICT) has become an indispensable part of our lives. Prior research on climate impact of ICT devices and services mostly makes use of life cycle assessment and energy modeling frameworks focused on embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Because these perspectives emphasize the GHGs emissions associated with the construction and distribution of digital devices along production supply chains, not much is known about the GHGs emissions monitored or facilitated by digital device use. In this study, we propose the concept of digital use supply chains (DUSCs) as an orthogonal dimension of digital devices’ life cycle. DUSC refers to the production activities and resource consumption recorded by digital devices. We propose a framework to conceptualize and quantify digital behavior-related GHGs emissions through use of the Screenomics paradigm, where users’ digital screen data are unobtrusively collected moment-by-moment. Through Screenomics’ granular recording of users’ digital behavior, we evaluate behavior-based GHGs emissions traced by the digital devices. DUSC connects individual’s digital behaviors to their global climate change impact, contributing to a more nuanced and complete evaluation of the climate impacts of the digital economy. Our single-case study indicates the estimated scale of the GHGs emissions linked to a user’s one-day digital activities could be three orders of magnitude (1000 times) higher than the emissions associated with the device life cycle alone. DUSC could enable climate change mitigation at a meaningful, actionable level through personalized educational or behavior change programs, and also facilitate novel data-driven feedback loops that may provide digital device users with insights into their personal climate impacts. Recognition and future study of DUSC could accelerate the quantification and standardization of a ‘carbon handprint’ of digital devices and create positive climate impacts from digital products and services.

Vibrant Screens: Remote therapy and counselling through the lens of digital materiality.

This article analyses the digital screen as a health technology. In particular, the article asks how screens as a part of therapy settings or counselling practices materialise - or fail to materialise - care. The empirical data comprise interviews with therapy and counselling professionals, whose experiences with technology during the COVID-19 pandemic were my original interest. Adopting a sociomaterial approach to technology use, it scrutinises not only how screens are used, but also how screens themselves act and operate. This approach foregrounds the screen as 'multiple', complicating a dichotomous understanding between in-person therapy and remote therapy. The article argues that the screen operates in a variety of ways that might either facilitate or degrade care and is an essential part of more-than-human care in digitalised societies. Acknowledging the agential capacities of all matter, the article also conceptualises screens as 'vibrant matter'.