The emerging public health risk of extended electronic device use during the COVID-19 pandemic

The experience of being in lockdown, isolated, and socially distant, even from family and friends, has become the ‘new normal’ during the COVID-19 pandemic. People across the world are increasingly using electronic devices (e-devices) to connect socially, for education, and for work. Anecdotally, vo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:South African Journal of Science 2020-07, Vol.116 (7-8), p.22-23
Main Authors: Munsamy, Alvin, Van Staden, Diane, Cobbing, Saul, Naidoo, Rowena, Chetty, Verusia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomechanics
Care and treatment
Children
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Digital eye syndrome
Education
Electronic devices
Electronic equipment
Epidemics
Ergonomics
Head and neck
Health aspects
Health awareness
Health risk assessment
Health risks
Learning
Musculoskeletal health
Pandemics
Public health
Screen time
Sleep
Sleep impairment
Smartphones
South Africa
Students
Systematic review
Visual health
Wrist
Young adults
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Summary:The experience of being in lockdown, isolated, and socially distant, even from family and friends, has become the ‘new normal’ during the COVID-19 pandemic. People across the world are increasingly using electronic devices (e-devices) to connect socially, for education, and for work. Anecdotally, voices have emerged that predict that COVID-19 will revolutionise how we interact beyond the pandemic, enabling people to connect over large geographical areas. However, the increased use of e-devices may have far-reaching consequences on body systems, including the musculoskeletal and visual systems. These complications are often overlooked due to the focus on the medical management of COVID-19. Attention should be paid to these complications as they have the potential to become a serious public health issue.
ISSN:0038-2353
1996-7489
DOI:10.17159/sajs.2020/8530