Title: A correlational study on visual health related knowledge and health beliefs and uptake of visual health behavior among secondary school students in Hong Kong

Biography:

Dr. Choi is an Associate Professor of the School of Nursing & Health Studies of The Open University of Hong Kong. Her areas of expertise are on nursing education, management and research. She has experiences in conducting both quantitative and qualitative research, and mixed methods research, and has published a no. of papers related to nursing work environment, nursing shortage and student learning.

Abstract

Background: Secondary school students often spend most time of the day on near-work activities, such as reading, doing homework and using electronic devices. While prolonged near-work activities can lead to visual problems such as eye strain, redness and dryness and blurred vision, there is a need to promote the uptake of visual health behavior among them.  This study aimed to examine the factors associated with the uptake of visual health behavior, so as to provide a foundation for promotion of visual health protection among secondary school students in Hong Kong.

Methods:  A total of 420 secondary school students were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected in early 2018 using a validated 53-item instrument that captured three domains, including visual health related knowledge and health beliefs, as well as uptake of visual health behaviors. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlational analyses.

Findings:  The mean level of knowledge and visual health behavior of respondents was 4.98 out of 9 and 36.26 out of 55 respectively. Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and perceived susceptibility (r = 0.153), perceived severity (r = 0.375), perceived benefit (r = 0.179), cues to action (r = 0.250) and visual health behavior (r = 0.107). Similarly, significant positive correlations were noted between visual health behavior and perceived susceptibility (r = 0.336), perceived severity (r = 0.325), perceived benefit (r = 0.122) and cues to action (r = 0.211).

Conclusion: Concerted efforts are needed to improve secondary school students’ knowledge and awareness on visual health protection.