Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: Our study aimed to evaluate the awareness levels of university students about the harmful effects of blue light and protection methods. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study consisting of 20 questions was conducted online to university students in Ankara. After obtaining basic information about the participants, questions related to the hazardous effects of blue light, blue light sources, blue light filters and protectors were directed. RESULTS: A total of 387 participants were included in the study. 75.1% of the students thought of vision problems as the most harmful effect of blue light and phones, computers and televisions as blue light sources (93.8%). 58.8% of the students were using the blue light filter, 67.6% knew about blue light protective glasses, and only 26.9% were wearing them. The average daily computer, smartphone and television usage time was 3.18 hours, 5.2 hours and 0.5 hours, respectively. 71.5% of the students were taking breaks when using electronic devices, while 28.5% were not. 56.2% of the students were experiencing tired eyes, 49.7% headaches, 31.9% blurred vision, 30.8% dry eyes and 30.3% insomnia. 95.1% of the students were adjusting their settings to reduce the brightness. Students in medical fields were more aware of blue light-related sleep problems and blue light protective glasses than students in other fields. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Awareness of blue light was moderate among university students; however awareness of protective methods was lower. This study will contribute to increasing awareness on this issue in terms of protecting the health of young people, and subsequently general society.

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