Abstract
This study is to provide basic data regarding prevention of VDT syndrome by surveying the computer usage and understanding the VDT subjective symptoms. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire among 617 students in middle and high schools in J city, Chonbuk province from 1 April 2002 to 20 April 2002. Modified and adjusted study tools were used which were based on previous studies on the actual computer usage and the VDT subjective symptoms, and the self-assessment tool for VDT syndrome by Moon et al(1991). Collected data were analyzed by SPSS program. The results were as follows: It showed 97.2% of students in middle schools and 97.6% in high schools to hold personal computer, 92.2% of middle school students and 84.7% of high school students commonly used computer at home. Communication was the obvious reason to use computer in 55.8% of middle school students and 71.6% of high school students. The mean of the VDT subjective symptoms among students in high schools showed $1.09{\pm}.69$ which higher than that of $.80{\pm}.59$ among students in middle schools (t=5.666, p=.000). Musculoskeletal symptom was marked the highest in the scoring of VDT subjective symptoms among students in middle and high schools. The higher grade, The more pocket money, The less breaks or exercise taken during computer use, The more they feel harmful about using computer, The actual time of computer longer than 3 hours per use were contributed to the higher score of the VDT subjective symptoms among students. There are suggestions following this study: To establish a systematic preventative program and management regarding the current computer use among students especially in relation to the VDT subjective symptoms. To develop better educational programs for parents regarding time-limit and to create appropriate environment in computer use.
