Study type: Epidemiological study (observational study)

Use of wireless telephones and self-reported health symptoms: a population-based study among Swedish adolescents aged 15-19 years epidem.

Published in: Environ Health 2008; 7: 18

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sweden to assess the use of wireless phones among adolescents and to investigate self-reported health symptoms.

Further details

Regular use of a mobile phone was defined as talk ≥ 2 min/day and regular DECT use as talk ≥ 5 min/day.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

Type of risk estimation: (odds ratio (OR))

Exposure

Assessment

Exposure groups

Group Description
Reference group 1 mobile phone use < 2 min/day: unexposed
Group 2 mobile phone use ≥ 2 min/day: exposed
Reference group 3 DECT phone use < 5 min/day: unexposed
Group 4 DECT phone use ≥ 5 min/day: unexposed

Population

Study size

Type Value
Total 2,000
Participants 1,269
Participation rate 63 %
Statistical analysis method: (adjustment: )

Results (acc. to author)

The use of mobile phones and DECT telephones increased with age so that almost all adolescents used wireless phones. Girls reported use of mobile phones and DECT telephones significantly more than boys. Significantly increased ORs for mobile phone use were observed for asthmatic symptoms, concentration difficulties, and headache. The results showed that perceived health and certain health symptoms seemed to be related with the use of wireless phones.

Limitations (acc. to author)

The findings should be interpreted with caution because the investigation was explorative and bias and confounding cannot be excluded.

Study funded by

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