The severity of dry Eye symptoms and risk factors among among Healthcare Professionals in Palestine: Multi-Centric Cross-Sectional Study
Supervisor Name
Ithar Beshtawi
Supervisor Email
ithar.beshtawi@najah.edu
University
An-Najah National University
Research field
Medical Sciences
Bio
Dr. Ithar Beshtawi is Assistant Professor and Head of the Optometry Department at An-Najah National University. She obtained her MSc and PhD in Optometry from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. She is a member of the Educational Committee of the World Council of Optometry and a Fellow of the International Association of Contact Lens Educators. Her academic interests include optometric and medical education, clinical research, contact lenses, and low vision rehabilitation, with particular emphasis on improving services for partially sighted individuals. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented her work at national and international conferences. Dr. Beshtawi also serves as Moderator of the Centre of Excellence for Learning, Development, and Social Accountability at An-Najah National University. Her work integrates academic leadership with community-based initiatives, contributing to the advancement of optometric and medical education and the development of eye care services in Palestine.
Description
Background: Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a common multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface characterized by tear film instability, ocular discomfort, and visual disturbance. It has become increasingly prevalent in modern healthcare environments due to prolonged digital screen exposure, reduced blinking during intensive visual tasks, and environmental factors such as air conditioning and low humidity. Healthcare professionals may be particularly vulnerable to developing dry eye symptoms because of long working hours, frequent computer use for electronic medical records, and demanding clinical workloads. Despite the growing recognition of DED as an occupational health concern, data regarding the severity of symptoms and associated risk factors among healthcare professionals in Palestine remain limited. Aim: To investigate the severity of Dry Eye Disease symptoms and identify associated risk factors among healthcare professionals working in hospitals in Palestine. Specific Objectives: Determine the prevalence and severity of dry eye symptoms among healthcare professionals. Assess the association between demographic factors (age, sex) and the severity of symptoms. Evaluate occupational risk factors including working hours, digital screen exposure, and shift work. Identify environmental and behavioral factors that may contribute to the development or worsening of dry eye symptoms. Analyze the relationship between these risk factors and Ocular Surface Disease Index scores. Study Design and Setting: A multicenter cross-sectional study will be conducted among healthcare professionals working in hospitals in Palestine. Population: Healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff who are actively working in participating healthcare institutions during the study period. Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: Included: Healthcare professionals aged 18 years or older who are currently working in hospital settings and consent to participate in the study. Excluded: Individuals with known severe ocular surface diseases unrelated to dry eye, those who have undergone recent ocular surgery, or participants with incomplete questionnaire responses. Data Collection: Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic information, occupational characteristics, environmental exposure, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire to evaluate the severity of symptoms. Data Analysis: Data will be analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Categorical variables will be presented as frequencies and percentages, while continuous variables will be expressed as means with standard deviations or medians depending on data distribution. Statistical tests including chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and logistic regression analysis will be used to identify factors associated with dry eye severity. Statistical significance will be considered at a probability value less than 0.05. Ethical Considerations: Ethical approval will be obtained from the relevant Institutional Review Board prior to study initiation. Participation will be voluntary and informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Confidentiality and anonymity of the collected data will be strictly maintained. Timeline: Data collection: 3 months. Data processing and statistical analysis: 1 month, Manuscript preparation and finalization: 1 month. Significance: This study will provide valuable epidemiological data regarding the burden and severity of dry eye symptoms among healthcare professionals in Palestine. The findings may help identify modifiable occupational and environmental risk factors, contributing to the development of preventive strategies and workplace interventions aimed at improving ocular health and overall productivity among healthcare workers.
