Reducing Eye Strain and Anxiety Using a Digital Intervention During Online Learning Class Recess Among Children at Home: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Reducing Eye Strain and Anxiety Using a Digital Intervention During Online Learning Class Recess Among Children at Home: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The primary aim of the current study is to conduct a cluster-randomized control trial to
 evaluate the effectiveness of a novel digital intervention in reducing anxiety and digital
 eye strain compared to usual care among Chinese children during the period of home
 confinement.
In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many countries have taken the
 decision of school closure after the confirmation of coronavirus cases in the general
 population. In China, the burden of COVID-19 is among the highest in the world, with more
 than 80,000 cases confirmed by 11th March 2020. An estimate of 220 million children and
 adolescents are confined at home for weeks with inadequate level of physical activity and
 more susceptible to anxiety. There is also a concern of digital eye strain for many children
 who spend hours daily in front of a computer screen for recreation or learning purposes.

 Recess represents an essential scheduled period in a school day for psychological and
 physical relaxation. During the unusual period of home confinement, many schools have already
 issued physical activity requirement and policy recommending recess and physical activity
 breaks. However, recess could be easily skipped by students during online learning at home.

 Mobile health intervention offers a potential opportunity for capitalizing on digital
 technology as a feasible modality to encourage recess activities, especially in regions where
 social distancing is implemented as an emergency measure. The primary aim of the current
 study is to conduct a cluster-randomized control trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a
 novel digital intervention during recess in reducing anxiety and digital eye strain compared
 to usual care among Chinese children during the period of home confinement.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Grade 7 (12-13 years old) students in Duanzhou District, Zhaoqing city

 -  Students under home confinement and enrolled in online learning courses, during the
 COVID-19 outbreak

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Autism Spectrum Disorders and Pervasive Developmental Delay or Disorder

 -  Mental Retardation

 -  Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia

 -  Mania or Hypomania disorders

 -  Suicidal behavior and/or acute plan that require higher level of care

 -  Participation in psychotherapy