P-526 THE IMPACT OF LONG WORKING HOURS AND THE USE OF WORK-RELATED COMMUNICATION DEVICES OUTSIDE REGULAR WORKING HOURS ON COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME AMONG WORKERS INTENSIVELY UTILIZING VISUAL DISPLAY TERMINALS

Abstract

Introduction Prior studies have explored psychological strain caused by work-related communication devices used beyond regular working hours. However, research on their direct physical impacts is limited. This study aimed to assess and compare the effects of long working hours and off-hours use of work-related communication devices on computer vision syndrome (CVS) symptoms among workers extensively using visual display terminals (VDTs). Methods This study utilized cross-sectional data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS), specifically responses from 16,304 workers using VDTs over half of work time. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression models, adjusting for gender, age, occupation, education, and income to examine influence of work-related communication device use during off-hours or long working hours on CVS symptoms. Results Compared to the reference group, those using work-related communication devices off-hours without long working hours showed higher risk of CVS symptoms (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.57-1.86) compared to those who worked long hours but did not use work-related communication devices during off-hours (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.05-1.76). Furthermore, the group that both worked long hours and used work-related communication devices outside of regular working hours exhibited the highest OR of CVS symptoms (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.65-2.22). Conclusion Among VDT-intensive workers, the use of work-related communication devices outside regular working hours is associated with higher risk of CVS symptoms compared to working long hours alone. This suggests that when redefining working hours, it is necessary to consider work-related communication device use outside of working hours with regular work time.