Exposure to Electronic Device Screen and Its Health Implications Among Undergraduate Students in Ogun State, Nigeria (Published)
The study examined the effects of electronic device screen exposure on undergraduate students’ health. The goal of this study is to determine the level of screen exposure, the consequences on overall health, and the level of screen addiction among undergraduate students of Babcock University. Primary data was gathered, the study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. The Taro Yamane sampling formula was used to calculate a sample size of 379. The study utilized standardized questionnaires (QueST, PSQI, and Multiple Screen Addiction Scale). The study found a high level of screen exposure among Babcock University undergraduate students on weekdays 8.38(SD=2.89) and a higher level of exposure on weekends 11.50 (SD=1.65). The data also demonstrate that screen exposure has a negative impact on sleep, as the PSQI Component/Domain indicated a sleep disturbance of 0.47(SD=0.40). The study also discovered that Babcock University students are addicted to screens, with an average screen time of 10.83 hours (SD=3.61). Health educators should focus on encouraging undergraduate students to prioritize their sleep hours and assisting them in overcoming barriers to adequate sleep, such as excessive screen time. Students should be provided with and encouraged to use anti-glare or anti-blue ray protectors as part of routine eye examinations.
Keywords: Addiction, Electronic device, Undergraduate Students, screen time, sleep disturbance