Research Article

Research for self-reported health problems after excessive talking time on mobile phones among university students

Leonidas Gavrilas 1 * , Konstantinos T. Kotsis 1
More Detail
1 Department of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GREECE* Corresponding Author
Eurasian Journal of Science and Environmental Education, 3(1), June 2023, 7-15, https://doi.org/10.30935/ejsee/12958
Published: 10 February 2023
OPEN ACCESS   755 Views   459 Downloads
Download Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

The devices that people use every day, such as mobile phones and wireless networks, emit electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range. The widespread use of these devices, as well as the change in people’s social behavior, have dramatically increased their exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Due to the rapid increase of young people users, public health officials and the scientific community are showing particular interest in the possible effects of electromagnetic radiation on human health. Many researchers express strong concerns about the effects of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, as it can have a serious impact on physical, cognitive, and social health. This study focused on self-reported health problems after excessive talking time on mobile phones of 619 (n=619) University students of both genders, in the age group of 18-24 years were randomly selected. The data was collected using a close-ended questionnaire. Headache was found to be the most frequently reported symptom (69%) followed by pressure in the head (38.8%). In most self-reported health problems no correlation was found between the genders. Female students tend to talk more on their mobile phones, and it was found that this extensive use was associated with the declaration of more self-reported health problems. The results of this study do not leave us any room for complacency, especially when we talk about health issues, and continuous research is needed to protect people’s health. In addition, modern education should provide the necessary knowledge to students, but also take care of the development of the critical thinking of future citizens, so that they can make the most appropriate decisions for their health.

CITATION (APA)

Gavrilas, L., & Kotsis, K. T. (2023). Research for self-reported health problems after excessive talking time on mobile phones among university students. Eurasian Journal of Science and Environmental Education, 3(1), 7-15. https://doi.org/10.30935/ejsee/12958

REFERENCES

  1. Acharya, J. P., Acharya, I., & Waghrey, D. (2013). A study on some of the common health effects of cell-phones amongst college students. Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education, 3, 214. https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0711.1000214
  2. Albanese, J., & Paturas, J. (2018). The importance of critical thinking skills in disaster management. Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, 11(4), 326-334.
  3. Beckers, M., Weise, B., Kalapis, S., Gries, T., Seide, G., & Bunge, C.-A. (2017). 2 - Basics of light guidance. In C.-A. Bunge, T. Gries, & M. Beckers (Eds.), Polymer optical fibres (pp. 9-46). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100039-7.00002-6
  4. Behari, J., & Nirala, J. P. (2013). Specific absorption rate variation in a brain phantom due to exposure by a 3G mobile phone: Problems in dosimetry. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 51(12), 1079-1085.
  5. Bidabadi, E., Mallah-Saeed, M., & Pasandideh, M. (2015). Subjective neurological symptoms among mobile phone users. Caspian Journal of Neurological Sciences, 1(1), 43-48. https://doi.org/10.18869/acadpub.cjns.1.1.43
  6. Burcin, S., & Ince, E. (2010). Internet as a source of misconception: “Radiation and radioactivity”. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 9(4), 94-100.
  7. Busby, B. (2020). Radiation information and resources online. In P. Wexler (Ed.), Information resources in toxicology (pp. 495-502). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-813724-6.00046-3
  8. Busch, P. A., Hausvik, G. I., Ropstad, O. K., & Pettersen, D. (2021). Smartphone usage among older adults. Computers in Human Behavior, 121, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.106783
  9. Challis, L. J. (2005). Mechanisms for interaction between RF fields and biological tissue. Bioelectromagnetics, 7, 98-106. https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.20119
  10. Chiu, C. T., Chang, Y. H., Chen, C. C., Ko, M. C., & Li, C. Y. (2015). Mobile phone use and health symptoms in children. Journal of the Formosan Medical Association Taiwan Yi Zhi, 114(7), 598-604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfma.2014.07.002
  11. Chu, M. K., Song, H. G., Kim, C., & Lee, B. C. (2011). Clinical features of headache associated with mobile phone use: A cross-sectional study in university students. BMC Neurology, 11, 115. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2377-11-115
  12. Demir, Y. P., & Sumer, M. M. (2019). Effects of smartphone overuse on headache, sleep and quality of life in migraine patients. Neurosciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), 24(2), 115-121. https://doi.org/10.17712/nsj.2019.2.20180037
  13. Dixit, S., Shukla, H., Bhagwat, A., Bindal, A., Goyal, A., Zaidi, A., & Shrivastava, A. (2010). A study to evaluate mobile phone dependence among students of a medical college and associated hospital of central India. Indian Journal of Community Medicine: Official Publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine, 35(2), 339-341. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0218.66878
  14. Dresselhaus, A., & Shrode, F. (2012). Mobile technologies & academics: Do students use mobile technologies in their academic lives and are librarians ready to meet this challenge? Information Technology and Libraries, 31(2), 82-101. https://doi.org/10.6017/ital.v31i2.2166
  15. Fakhri, Y., Alinejad, A., Keramati, H., Bay, A., Avazpour, M., Zandsalimi, Y., Moradi, B., Rasouli Amirhajeloo, L., & Mirzaei, M. (2016). Survey on different Samsung with Nokia smart mobile phones in the specific absorption rate electrical field of head. Global Journal of Health Science, 8(9), 53967. https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v8n9p251
  16. Farashi, S., Bashirian, S., Khazaei, S., Khazaei, M., & Farhadinasab, A. (2022). Mobile phone electromagnetic radiation and the risk of headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 95(7), 1587-1601. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-022-01835-x
  17. Finch, K. S., Kala, S., & Sathya, V. (2021). The review of mobile applications and wireless technologies in sustaining K-12 schools during COVID-19. ICST Transactions on Mobile Communications and Applications, 6(18), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.29-1-2021.168509
  18. Foster, R. C. (2021). KR20 and KR21 for some nondichotomous data (it’s not just Cronbach’s alpha). Educational and Psychological Measurement, 81(6), 1172-1202. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013164421992535
  19. Gandhi, O. P., Morgan, L. L., de Salles, A. A., Han, Y. Y., Herberman, R. B., & Davis, D. L. (2012). Exposure limits: The underestimation of absorbed cell phone radiation, especially in children. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 31(1), 34-51. https://doi.org/10.3109/15368378.2011.622827
  20. Gavrilas, L. (2017). Perceptions of University students on electromagnetic pollution of information and communications technology equipment [Postgraduate dissertation, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece]. http://dx.doi.org/10.26268/heal.uoi.1923
  21. Gavrilas, L., Kotsis, K. T., & Papanikolaou, M.-S. (2022a). Attitudes and behaviors of university students towards electromagnetic radiation of cell phones and wireless networks. Aquademia, 6(2), ep22009. https://doi.org/10.21601/aquademia/12393
  22. Gavrilas, L., Kotsis, K. T., & Papanikolaou, M.-S. (2022b). Gender differences in attitudes and behaviors associated with electromagnetic radiation of mobile phones and wireless networks. International Journal of Educational Innovation, 4(5), 25-37. https://journal.eepek.gr/assets/uploads/manuscripts/manuf_672_Ex8aVQhIOe.pdf
  23. Glaser, R. (2005). Are thermoreceptors responsible for “non-thermal” effects of RF fields. Edition Wissenschaft, Forschungsgemeinschaft Funk e. V., G 14515, 21, 2-13.
  24. Gomez-Perretta, C., Navarro, E. A., Segura, J., & Portolés, M. (2013). Subjective symptoms related to GSM radiation from mobile phone base stations: A cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 3, 12. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003836
  25. Han, S., & Yi, Y. (2018). How does the smartphone usage of college students affect academic performance? Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 35(1), 3-22. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12306
  26. Hannan, S., Islam, M. T., Soliman, M. S., Faruque, M. R. I., Misran, N., & Islam, M. S. (2022). A co-polarization-insensitive metamaterial absorber for 5G n78 mobile devices at 3.5 GHz to reduce the specific absorption rate. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 11193. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-15221-7
  27. Hirata, A., Ito, N., & Fujiwara, O. (2009). Influence of electromagnetic polarization on the whole-body averaged SAR in children for plane-wave exposures. Physics in Medicine and Biology, 54(4), 59-65. https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-9155/54/4/N02
  28. Hu, C., Zuo, H., & Li, Y. (2021). Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on neurotransmitters in the brain. Frontiers in Public Health, 9, 691880. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.691880
  29. Huber, M., Knottnerus, J. A., Green L., Horst, H., Jadad, A. R., & Kromhout, D. (2011). How should we define health? British Medical Journal, 343, 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.d4163
  30. International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2011). IARC classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans. World Health Organisation. https://www.iarc.who.int/pressrelease/iarc-classifies-radiofrequency-electromagnetic-fields-as-possibly-carcinogenic-to-humans/
  31. International Commission on non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. (2009). Exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields, biological effects and health consequences (100 kHz-300 GHz). International Commission on non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. https://www.icnirp.org/en/publications/article/hf-review-2009.html
  32. Jacob, J. (2020). Reader response: Smartphone use and primary headache: A cross-sectional hospital-based study. Neurology: Clinical Practice, 10(6), e51. https://doi.org/10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000997
  33. Khademian, F., Aslani, A., & Bastani, P. (2020). The effects of mobile apps on stress, anxiety, and depression: Overview of systematic reviews. International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 37, e4. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266462320002093
  34. Kim, K., Yee, J., Chung, J. E., Kim, H. J., Han, J. M., Kim, J. H., Lee, K. E., & Gwak, H. S. (2021). Smartphone addiction and anxiety in adolescents–A cross-sectional study. American Journal of Health Behavior, 45(5), 895-901. https://doi.org/10.5993/AJHB.45.5.9
  35. Klein, G., & Dabney, A. (2013). The cartoon introduction to statistics. Hill & Wamg.
  36. Kokabi, A., & Davoodi, M. (2019). Calculation of specific absorption rate (SAR) in human brain neurons using complex permittivity. Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology, 43(8), 468-473. https://doi.org/10.1080/03091902.2019.1692938
  37. Kumar, D., & Sriram, A. (2018). The attitude towards smartphones and its influence on process, social and compulsive usage. Athens Journal of Mass Media and Communications, 4(4), 301-318. https://doi.org/10.30958/ajmmc.4-4-4
  38. Liu, Z., Li, S., Shang, S., & Ren, X. (2021). How do critical thinking ability and critical thinking disposition relate to the mental health of university students? Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 704229. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.704229
  39. Loleska, S., & Pop-Jordanova, N. (2021). Is smartphone addiction in the younger population a public health problem? Prilozi (Makedonska Akademija na Naukite i Umetnostite. Oddelenie za Medicinski Nauki) [Appendices (Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Department of Medical Sciences)], 42(3), 29-36. https://doi.org/10.2478/prilozi-2021-0032
  40. Magiera, A., & Solecka, J. (2020). Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation from Wi-Fi and its effects on human health, in particular children and adolescents. Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny [Yearbooks of the National Institute of Hygiene], 71(3), 251-259. https://doi.org/10.32394/rpzh.2020.0125
  41. Mai, T. C., Delanaud, S., Bach, V., Braun, A., Pelletier, A., & de Seze, R. (2020). Effect of non-thermal radiofrequency on body temperature in mice. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 5724. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-62789-z
  42. Mailankot, M., Kunnath, A. P., Jayalekshmi, H., Koduru, B., & Valsalan, R. (2009). Radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from GSM (0.9/1.8GHz) mobile phones induces oxidative stress and reduces sperm motility in rats. Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil), 64(6), 561-565. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1807-59322009000600011
  43. Marin, L., & Halpern, D. (2011). Pedagogy for developing critical thinking in adolescents: Explicit instruction produces greatest gains. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 6(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2010.08.002
  44. Martínez-Búrdalo, M., Martín, A., Anguiano, M., & Villar, R. (2004). Comparison of FDTD-calculated specific absorption rate in adults and children when using a mobile phone at 900 and 1800 MHz. Physics in Medicine and Biology, 49(2), 345-354. https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-9155/49/2/011
  45. McDonald, J. C. (2004). Calibration measurements and standards for radiation protection dosimetry. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 109(4), 317-321. https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/nch308
  46. McKinlay, A. F., Allen, S. G., Cox, R., Dimbylow, P. J., Mann, S. M., Muirhead, C. R., Saunders, R. D., Sienkiewicz, Z. J., Stather, J. W., & Wainwright P. R. (2004). Review of the scientific evidence for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (0-300 GHz). http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1194947383619
  47. Mentre, P. (2012). Water in the orchestration of the cell machinery. Some misunderstandings: A short review. Journal of Biological Physics, 38(1), 13-26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10867-011-9225-9
  48. Mishra, A., & Tiwari, N. (2014). Green communication: An effective approach to minimize risk of forgetfulness from mobile phone usage. E-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks, 3, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.4236/etsn.2014.31001
  49. Mortazavi, S., Gholampour, M., Haghani, M., Mortazavi, G., & Mortazavi, A. (2014). Electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation emitted from GSM mobile phones decreases the accuracy of home blood glucose monitors. Journal of Biomedical Physics & Engineering, 4(3), 111-116.
  50. Neumann, S. (2014). Three misconceptions about radiation, and what we teachers can do to confront them. American Association of Physics Teachers, 52(6), 357-359. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.4893090
  51. Noaman, A. (2018). Exploring the possibility of headache exposure among mobile phone users aged (18-25) years. Diyala Journal of Medicine, 15(2), 80-86. https://doi.org/10.26505/DJM.15024311016
  52. Park, J., Jeong, J. E., & Rho, M. J. (2021). Predictors of habitual and addictive smartphone behavior in problematic smartphone use. Psychiatry Investigation, 18(2), 118-125. https://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2020.0288
  53. Pegios, A., Kavvadas, D., Ζarras, K., Mpani, K., Soukiouroglou, P., Charalampidou, S., Vagdatli, E., & Papamitsou, T. (2022). The effect of electromagnetic radiation transmitted from touters on antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial pathogens. Journal of Biomedical Physics & Engineering, 12(4), 327-338. https://doi.org/10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2111-1433
  54. Pendse, N., & Zagade, T. (2014). Knowledge and attitude regarding health hazards of mobile phone users among the junior college students. International Journal of Science and Research, 3(5), 554-561.
  55. Piper, B., Daily, S., Martin, S., & Martin, M. (2019). Evaluation of a brief intervention to reduce cell phone use in college students. medRxiv, 1-30. https://doi.org/10.1101/19009241
  56. Saslow, W. M. (2002). Maxwell’s equations and electromagnetic radiation. In W. M. Saslow (Ed.), Electricity, magnetism, and light (pp. 630-677). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012619455-5.50015-2
  57. Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks. (2015). Opinion on potential health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields. Bioelectromagnetics, 36(6), 480-484. https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.21930
  58. Sharma, A., Shrivastava, S., & Shukla, S. (2020). Exposure of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on biochemical and pathological alterations. Neurology India, 68(5), 1092-1100.
  59. Sheppard, A. R., Swicord, M. L., & Balzano, Q. (2008). Quantitative evaluations of mechanisms of radiofrequency interactions with biological molecules and processes. Health Physics, 95(4), 365-396. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.HP.0000319903.20660.37
  60. Shih, J., & Fay, M. (2017). Pearson’s Chi‐square test and rank correlation inferences for clustered data. Biometrics, 73(3), 822-834. https://doi.org/10.1111/biom.12653
  61. Shinde, M., & Patel, S. (2014). Corelation between problematic internet use and mental health in professional education students. International Journal of Science and Research, 3(2), 194-202.
  62. Singh, R., Nath, R., Mathur, A. K., & Sharma, R. S. (2018). Effect of radiofrequency radiation on reproductive health. The Indian Journal of Medical Research, 148(Suppl), 92-99.
  63. Szasz, O., Szigeti, G., & Szasz, A. (2016) Connections between the specific absorption rate and the local temperature. Open Journal of Biophysics, 6, 53-74. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojbiphy.2016.63007
  64. Szyjkowska, A., Gadzicka, E., Szymczak, W., & Bortkiewicz, A. (2014). The risk of subjective symptoms in mobile phone users in Poland–an epidemiological study. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 27(2), 293-303. https://doi.org/10.2478/s13382-014-0260-1
  65. Tang, J., & Resurreccion, F. P. (2009). Electromagnetic basis of microwave heating. In M. W. Lorence, & P. S. Pesheck (Eds.), Development of packaging and products for use in microwave ovens (pp. 3-38e). https://doi.org/10.1533/9781845696573.1.3
  66. Taylor, K., & Silver, L. (2019). Smartphone ownership is growing rapidly around the world, but not always equally. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2019/03/PI_2019.03.07_Mobile-Connectivity_FINAL.pdf
  67. Vecchia, P. (2007). Exposure of humans to electromagnetic fields. Standards and regulations. Annali Dell’Istituto Superiore di Sanita [Annals of the Higher Institute of Health], 43(3), 260-267.
  68. Wainwright, P. R. (2003). The relationship of temperature rise to specific absorption rate and current in the human leg for exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the high frequency band. Physics in Medicine and Biology, 48(19), 3143-3155. https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-9155/48/19/004
  69. Wang, J., Su, H., Xie, W., & Yu, S. (2017). Mobile phone use and the risk of headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies. Scientific Reports, 7, 12595. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-12802-9
  70. Wang, L., Rau, P. L., & Salvendy, S. (2011) Older adults’ acceptance of information technology. Educational Gerontology, 37(12), 1081-1099. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2010.500588
  71. Wen, F., & Huang, X. (2017). Human exposure to electromagnetic fields from parallel wireless power transfer systems. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(2), 157. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14020157
  72. WHO. (1946). Preamble to constitution of World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/suggestions/faq/en/
  73. World Energy Council. (2016). World energy resources. World Energy Council. https://www.worldenergy.org/publications/entry/world-energy-resources-2016
  74. Wu, T., Peng, R., Zhang, L., & Li, K. (2022). Human exposure to new-emerging electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 894624. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.894624
  75. Zhou, J., Rau, P.-L. P., & Salvendy, G. (2014). Age-related difference in the use of mobile phones. Universal Access in the Information Society, 13, 401-413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-013-0324-1