ความชุกและปัจจัยที่มีผลต่อความล้าทางสายตาของเกษตรกรผู้สูงอายุที่ทำงานกลางแจ้ง

Thitima Na-Songkhla; Suttama Suwanmanee; Krittaya Petchan; Tanawat Rakkamon

Authors

Thitima Na-Songkhla Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University, Phatthalung Campus
Suttama Suwanmanee Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University, Phatthalung Campus
Krittaya Petchan Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University, Phatthalung Campus
Tanawat Rakkamon Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University, Phatthalung Campus

Keywords:

prevalence, visual fatigue, elderly farmers, working on outdoor farms

Abstract

Introduction: Farmers spend a significant amount of time outdoors. Exposure to inappropriate brightness levels can induce visual fatigue. This results in impaired vision and increases the risk of occupational errors or accidents.

Research objectives: To examine the prevalence of visual fatigue and the factors affecting it among elderly farmers working outdoors.

Research methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 213 elderly farmers were recruited using stratified sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and the Critical Flicker Fusion test. The Index of Item-Objective Congruence for each item was greater than .67. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis.

Results: The prevalence of visual fatigue was 56.30%. Significant predictive factors included female gender (p = .002), increasing age (p = .040), working outdoors for more than 4 hours per day (p = .034), and exposure to excessive brightness (p < .001).

Conclusions: The prevalence of visual fatigue among elderly farmers was high. Significant factors associated with increased visual fatigue included gender, age, daily working hours, and exposure to excessive environmental brightness.

Implications: Community hospitals and elderly care units should provide health and safety education to elderly farmers. This includes maintaining eye health, practicing eye relaxation techniques during work, and using safety glasses when working outdoors.

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