Chapter 1

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

The computer is an indispensible gadget for the modern people. In new

generation, computer usage has been essential to survival, whether for
professional, educational or entertainment purposes. We use it for word
processing, mathematical calculations, business and examinations,
publishing and e-learning. Indeed, the computer is used in almost each and
every aspect of human life.

Using the computer has completely changed the lives of people in the
planet. Even the simplest things can be made even simpler by the click of a
mouse. As a result, people become dependent on the use of the computer.
Students, in particular, prefer using it during free time, whether for academic
or for leisure purposes. According to Janette Toral of DigitalFilipino.com, in
2007, the main reasons why young Filipinos (25 years old and below) use the
Internet and the computer are research, social networking and gaming. Thus,
it creates a paramount effect on their lifestyle.

Computer usage in the people’s perspective is as important as the

ordinary pen and paper, thus, their dependency on it. They use it for several
hours in a day. Students are no exception to this. Approximately 87% of the
youth make use of the computer for a long time in a day. This may make an
impact on the health and well-being of the average student. Research on this
matter is broad and extensive, but since usage has been increasing as time
passes, it is given more attention.

The researchers aim to identify the different health risks that

prolonged computer usage may have in 3rd year nursing students in
University of Perpetual Help System Laguna. This study will help students to
recognize the threats posed to their health, and thus, utilize proper time
management to avoid it.

Theoretical Framework

Conceptual Framework

Statement of the Problem

1. How does prolonged computer usage affect the physical health of 3 rd

year nursing students in the University of Perpetual Help System
Laguna?

2. What is the relationship between longer hours of computer usage to

symptoms that students experience? (e.g. backache, eye strain)

Objectives of the study

 General Objectives

• To be able to identify the health problems and symptoms

encountered by 3rd year nursing students in UPHSL in relation
with the prolonged computer usage averaging in 4 hours a day.
  Specific Objectives

• To determine different physical health problems that may

develop in 3rd year nursing students in UPHSL who are using
computer for an average of 4 hours a day.

• To determine if 3rd year nursing students in UPHSL experience

the same health problems and symptoms with relation to their
prolonged computer usage.

• To determine if 3rd year nursing students in UPHSL who are using

computer for more than 4 hours a day develop more health
problems compare to those who use the computer in less than 4
hours a day.

• To determine if 3rd year nursing students in UPHSL who are

experiencing some health problems and symptoms related to
their prolonged computer usage averaging in 4 hours a day still
continue to use computer in their usual way.

• To determine if those 3rd year nursing students in UPHSL who

experienced health problems and symptoms related to prolonged
computer usage averaging in 4 hours a day do some ways to
prevent their health problems or symptoms.

Hypothesis of the study

 Ho: There is no significant relationship in the prolonged computer
usage averaging in 4 hours a day with the health problems and
symptoms encountered by the 3rd year nursing students in UPHSL.

Assumptions of the Study

The study intends to investigate the effects of frequent computer

game usage to the BSN 3rd yr. Student of UPHSL. For this study, primary
research will be conducted using anonymous questionnaires that will be sent
to the BSN 3rd yr. Student of UPHSL Biñan. The questionnaires will be used to
collect quantitative data.

In connection to the previous discussion, other key assumptions and

limitations was also considered:

· Are the results valid?

· Was the data relevant to the research questions?

· Were the data collection methods appropriate for the research

objectives?

· Was the data collection comprehensive enough?

· Was the data appropriately analyzed and the findings adequately

corroborated?

Scope and Limitations

The study was conducted to determine the effect of computer gaming usage
among 3rd year student nursing in UPHSL Biñan AY 2010-2011. The study
seeks to know the impact of computer gaming usage to the health of the
students. The basis and the survey questions of the study were taken only
from selected 3rdyear nursing student of UPHSL-Biñan.