Epidemiological study (observational study)

Depressive symptoms and headaches in relation to proximity of residence to an alternating-current transmission line right-of-way epidem.

By: Poole C, Kavet R, Funch DP, Donelan K, Charry JM, Dreyer NA

Published in: Am J Epidemiol 1993; 137 (3): 318-330

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A survey was conducted in the USA to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms and headache in relation to proximity of residence to an alternating-current transmission line.

Further details

The information on depressive symptoms was obtained from the interview schedule known as the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale including 18 items describing symptoms or feelings (trouble concentrating, crying spells, feeling hopeful about the future, etc.) and the frequency of these experiences in the previous 7 days. The two questions on headache ( any migraine headache or any other kinds of headaches in the previous 7 days) were adapted from the National Health Interview Survey.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

depressive symptoms and headaches

Type of risk estimation:

prevalence

(odds ratio (OR))

Exposure

Assessment

interview: living near a power line, if they could see the towers from their houses or yards

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Reference group 1	proximity to right-of-way of power line: far
Group 2	near residences: properties abutting the right-of-way or from which the power line towers are visible

Population

Group:
- men
- women
Age: 20–69 years
Characteristics: residents of 8 towns along a transmission line, adults residing on properties abutting the right-of-way and residents who, by signing a petition or an attendance sheet at a public meeting, had expressed active interest
Observation period: November1987
Study location: USA

Study size

Type	Value
Participants	382

Statistical analysis method:

unconditional logistic regression

(adjustment:

age
sex
education
marital status, all attitude and opinion measures

)

Results (acc. to author)

A association was observed between the prevalence of depressive symptoms and residential proximity to the power line right-of-way (OR 2.8, CI 1.6-5.1). Non-migraine headaches showed a weaker association with proximity to the power line (OR 1.5, Cl 0.8-2.8), and migraine headaches exhibited no association (OR 0.99, Cl 0.3-3.4).

Limitations (acc. to author)

An extremely crude measure of residential proximity to the power line was used.

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

Szemerszky R et al. (2010): Stress-related endocrinological and psychopathological effects of short- and long-term 50Hz electromagnetic field exposure in rats
Beale IL et al. (1997): Psychological effects of chronic exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields in humans living near extra-high-voltage transmission lines
McMahan S et al. (1994): Depressive symptomatology in women and residential proximity to high-voltage transmission lines
Dowson DI et al. (1988): Overhead high-voltage cables and recurrent headache and depressions

This website uses cookies to provide you the best browsing experience. By continuing to use this website you accept our use of cookies.

More information