Screen Time and Health Disturbances during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case of University Students in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study sought to establish health disturbances experienced by university students due to prolonged screen use during the covid-19 Pandemic in Zimbabwe. It employed the descriptive design under the quantitative approach. The study involved students from two universities in Zimbabwe, and it used a random sampling technique. A total of 128 students participated completing a survey. Data collection was conducted through a survey with a one closed-ended question seeking to identify health challenges experienced by students due to prolonged use of screens. Results were presented in percentages through graphs. The study concludes that headaches, tiredness and difficulties to sleep were experienced by students as a consequence of prolonged screen time. Furthermore, students experienced different psychological disturbances including stress and depression, inattention (difficulties to concentrate), anxiety and low self-esteem as a consequence of prolonged screen time. Finally, sight loss, tearing eyes, eye irritation, eye redness, eye swelling and dry eye disease were experienced by respondents.  Based on the conclusions, the study recommends that students and all users of digital technologies for different purposes should control the time they spend on the screen and visit doctors whenever they have abnormal experience in their eyes for further guidance. The study further recommends that learning institution should come up with measures to reduce the time individuals spend on the screen by providing alternative study options that may reduce the time spent on screens for learning.