A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Prevention of Digital Eye Strain Among Higher Secondary Students of Wazir Janki Nath Memorial Higher Secondary School of Jammu

Abstract

Background: Prolonged screen time on digital devices causes digital eye strain among higher secondary students, who often lack adequate knowledge regarding preventive practices and proper screen habits.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding digital eye strain prevention among higher secondary students, and to identify associations with socio-demographic variables.

Methodology: A pre-experimental, one-group pre-test post-test study was conducted among 80 purposively selected students (Classes 11 and 12) at Wazir Janki Nath Memorial Higher Secondary School, Jammu. Data were collected using a validated 25-item self-structured knowledge questionnaire before and after the structured teaching programme.

Results: In the pre-test, 76.3% of students had poor knowledge, with a mean score of 8.28 ± SD (33.12%). Post-intervention, 90% achieved good knowledge, raising the mean score to 20.40 ± SD (81.6%). The mean knowledge gain was 12.13 (48.48%), and a paired t-test value of 20.07 demonstrated high statistical significance (p < 0.001). Pre-test knowledge was significantly associated with resident area (p = 0.002) and maternal qualification (p = 0.035).

Conclusion: The structured teaching programme was highly effective in upgrading students' knowledge. Integrating targeted health education into school curricula is vital to promote healthy digital habits and mitigate screen-induced ocular fatigue in adolescents.