The online learning experience and reported headaches associated with screen exposure time among Saudi health sciences students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences Education
• Ophthalmology
• Neurology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to online learning in universities.
• Increased screen time in online learning environments may lead to visual discomfort and headaches.
• The relationship between electronic device usage duration and the online learning experience requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess online learning experiences among health sciences students.
• To evaluate reported headaches in relation to screen exposure time.
• To understand the impact of online learning on student well-being.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 353 students at Saudi University.
• Data collected via questionnaires on online learning experiences, screen time, and headaches.
• Convenience sampling method used for participant recruitment.

Main Results:

• Students reported moderate satisfaction but significant challenges with online learning, preferring blended learning.
• A high prevalence of headaches (65.72%) and prolonged screen exposure (52.69%) were observed.
• Increased screen time was significantly associated with reporting of headaches and migraines (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Headaches are prevalent among health professional students, negatively affecting academic performance and quality of life.
• Awareness programs, stress reduction, and ergonomic practices are crucial for managing online learning-related headaches.
• Blended learning models show potential for enhancing student learning and performance in health sciences.