A Correlational Study Between Electronic Screen Exposure and the Frequency and Severity of Migraine Among Medicine Students of the University of Santo Tomas, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in Manila under Online Distant Learning in AY 2022-2023

Simone Kendrick O. Salvador, Bernard Paul T. Sabalo, Hygeia Rosemae G. Saez, Triciamarie Ann E. Sahagun, Keisham Yuji P. Saito, Jose Gabriel R. Sales, Jofie D. Saligan, Gian Brando R. Salud, Raymond L. Rosales

Oct 2025 DOI 10.35460/2546-1621.2024-0033     Access   

Abstract

Introduction: Virtual learning is the new normal brought about by the pandemic in the field of education. Consequently, students are compelled to have increased exposure to electronic screens. With digital eye strain caused by increased exposure to gadgets, this study will look for a correlation between exposure to electronic screens and the severity and frequency of headaches and migraines among students studying online.

Objective: This study aims to gain an understanding of the average exposure of students to electronic screens and if there is a high frequency of migraine due to this increased exposure so that school administrators are aware of this; and in turn, to serve as a stepping stone for future studies in the same field of research.

Methodology: This study will make use of an observational comparative design also known as a cross-sectional descriptive study in order to look into the proportion of students affected by such a phenomenon at one point in time. The chosen study population will consist of medicine students currently enrolled in the University of Santo Tomas, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. The study will make use of questionnaires in order to gather data from the sample population.

Results: Our research study indicates a significant direct correlation as evidenced by both the Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.386 and the p-value of 0.050 between electronic screen exposure and migraine frequency/severity among UST medicine students engaged in online distance learning.

While this correlation underscores the potential health impact of prolonged screen time, the moderately low association suggests a need for cautious interpretation. Other factors explored, such as gender and year level, exhibited positive correlations of 0.283 and 2.955, respectively, but did not reach statistical significance, possibly due to the small sample size limiting the depth of analysis.

Conclusion: Our study highlights a significant correlation between screen time exposure and migraine severity, suggesting the need for schools adopting online or hybrid setups to consider screen hours in their policies. Given the emergence of online learning environments, these factors require careful consideration. While exploring additional factors like gender and year level, limited sample size hindered conclusive findings. Future research should focus on increasing sample size and investigating variables such as screen time quality, exposure environment and participant demographics to better understand the primary causes predisposing individuals to migraine without aura.

Keywords: Migraine, Online Distant Learning, Electronic Screen Exposure

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