Investigating Health-Threatening Eye Behaviors in Medical Students: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Health-threatening behaviors have a significant impact on eye health. This study aims to investigate medical students' experiences with unhealthy behaviors that affect eye health. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2022 at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data were purposively collected through 21 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with male and female students. Content analysis was conducted using MAXQDA18 software. Techniques such as maximum variation sampling, peer checks, external reviews, and member checking were utilized to ensure data reliability. Findings: Participants' experiences with unhealthy eye behaviors were categorized into two groups: "risky behaviors" and "risky reactions to ocular warnings." Conclusion: Although certain known factors identified in this study have been reported in the scientific literature, this research is the first to introduce highly influential risk factors that significantly affect visual health. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.