Epidemiological study (observational study)

Self-reported symptoms associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields: a questionnaire study. epidem.

By: Kücer N, Pamukcu T

Published in: Electromagn Biol Med 2014; 33 (1): 15-17

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A survey was conducted in Turkey to investigate the association between self-reported physical symptoms and mobile phone and computer use.

Further details

Remark EMF-Portal: It is not stated why 16 min daily use were chosen for categorization of the exposure groups. It is not clear which aspects of mobile phone use (e.g. calling, texting, playing games) and of computer use (e.g. monitor, cathode ray tube monitor, WLAN) were investigated.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

symptoms of discomfort: headache, vertigo/dizziness, fatigue, forgetfulness, insomnia, tension-anxiety, joint and bone pain, lacrimation of the eyes, hearing loss and tinnitus
sleep disturbances: insomnia

Type of risk estimation:

prevalence

Exposure

- mobile communications
- mobile phone
- personal

Assessment

questionnaire: use of mobile phone and computer (total and daily duration)

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Group 1	daily mobile phone use: < 16 min
Group 2	daily mobile phone use: > 16 min
Group 3	daily computer use: < 16 min
Group 4	daily computer use: > 16 min

Population

Group:
- men
- women
- children
Age: 9–80 years
Observation period: 2011
Study location: Turkey

Study size

Type	Value
Total	350
Participants	350

Statistical analysis method:

Chi-square test

Conclusion (acc. to author)

A significant increase in headache, hearing loss and joint and bone pain was observed in people who reported a daily mobile phone use of more than 16 min compared to participants with daily mobile phone use of less than 16 min. A significant increase in headache, vertigo/dizziness and tension-anxiety was reported by participants with daily computer use of more than 16 min compared to participants with less than 16 min computer use. Women reported significantly more headache, vertigo/dizziness, fatigue, forgetfulness and tension-anxiety than men.

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

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