Abstract

Overview

This study explores the long-term recall accuracy of mobile phone usage among young individuals in Japan, assessing changes in the accuracy of recalled phone call information over extended periods.

Findings

• Participants’ phone statuses were tracked through software-modified phones (SMPs) for 1 month.
• Three interviews were conducted: immediately post-monitoring, 10-12 months later, and 48-55 months later, to compare self-reported data against the SMP records.
• Findings indicated a consistent underestimation of the number of calls and a slight overestimation of call durations across all interviews.
• Correlations between self-reported and actual data on the number of calls and call durations decreased over time.
• The study highlighted the challenges in relying on self-reported data for epidemiological studies related to mobile phone usage.

Conclusion

The research underscores significant discrepancies in phone usage recall over time, implying potential implications for the outcomes of epidemiological studies. Such findings advocate caution in interpreting study results that rely on long-term recall data in relation to mobile phone usage.