This investigation examines computer use, the knowledge of computer injury and factors related to the knowledge among students in continuing education. Subjects were students recruited from continuing education courses in the Tainan area. The investigation results showed that most students (41.44%) spent an average of 1~3 hrs using computers daily. The main purposes of computer use were information gathering (48.76%) and job seeking (44.58%). 37.65% of subjects never rested during computer use, and most subjects (88.9%) felt uncomfortable after computer use, especially headaches (84%). Of subjects who felt uncomfortable, 81 % said they would take a rest, 12% said they would ignore their symptoms, and only 3.35% said they would see a doctor. Of all subjects, 42% did not think that long-term computer use would cause injuries, and 31 % were unaware of computer syndrome. Students' knowledge scores about computer syndrome differed significantly according to gender, age and academic major. Females and students studying management and design majors scored higher, while students below 20 years old scored lower. Two variables, gender and academic department, can explain 20% of total variance. The survey results provide some impetus for the relevant authorities to stress health education and prevent injuries arising from computer use.
This investigation examines computer use, the knowledge of computer injury and factors related to the knowledge among students in continuing education. Subjects were students recruited from continuing education courses in the Tainan area. The investigation results showed that most students (41.44%) spent an average of 1~3 hrs using computers daily. The main purposes of computer use were information gathering (48.76%) and job seeking (44.58%). 37.65% of subjects never rested during computer use, and most subjects (88.9%) felt uncomfortable after computer use, especially headaches (84%). Of subjects who felt uncomfortable, 81 % said they would take a rest, 12% said they would ignore their symptoms, and only 3.35% said they would see a doctor. Of all subjects, 42% did not think that long-term computer use would cause injuries, and 31 % were unaware of computer syndrome. Students' knowledge scores about computer syndrome differed significantly according to gender, age and academic major. Females and students studying management and design majors scored higher, while students below 20 years old scored lower. Two variables, gender and academic department, can explain 20% of total variance. The survey results provide some impetus for the relevant authorities to stress health education and prevent injuries arising from computer use.