Examining the correlation between screen time, mental health, and dry eye syndrome among undergraduate students at KAHS

Zaini, Norzariz Arieana and Abdul Rahim, Muhammad Afzam Shah and Yusof @ Alias, Firdaus and Zahari, Ilyanoon and Saliman, Noor Haziq (2025) Examining the correlation between screen time, mental health, and dry eye syndrome among undergraduate students at KAHS. International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 9 (SUPP3). pp. 421-427. ISSN 2600-8491

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Abstract

Background:Prolonged screen time among university students has been linked to dry eye syndrome (DES) and mental health challenges. This study examined the correlations between screen time, depression, and DES among undergraduate students at the Kuliyyah of Allied Health Sciences (KAHS), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Methods:A cross-sectional study of 90 students (aged 19–24 years) used validated instruments, the Screen Time Questionnaire (STQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Dry Eye-related Quality of Life Score (DEQS). Results:Median daily screen time was 4.2 hours, with moderate depressive symptoms (median PHQ-9 = 6) and DES impact (median DEQS = 21). Depression and DES showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.508, p< 0.001), while screen time (STQ) did not correlate significantly with either. Conclusion:Depressive symptoms were strongly related to DES severity, suggesting psychological health should be considered in managing ocular surface complaints among students.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Screen time; mental health; dry eye syndrome; undergraduate students
Subjects:	R Medicine > RE Ophthalmology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Optometry and Visual Science
Depositing User:	Muhammad Afzam Shah Abdul Rahim
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2026 16:17
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2026 16:17
Queue Number:	2026-02-Q2074
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/127345

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