Abstract

Overview

This study utilizes Monte Carlo simulation to analyze uncertainties in epidemiological research concerning mobile phone use and cognitive function in children.

Findings

• Previous studies showed inconsistent results possibly due to experimental challenges and uncertainty sources like statistical variability and measurement errors.
• The Monte Carlo simulation was applied to address these issues in data from the ExPOSURE study conducted between 2011 and 2013 on 412 primary school students in Australia.
• Analysis focused on the uncertainty in model outputs driven by uncertainty in call exposure data. Multiple linear regression models revealed weak evidence linking mobile phone usage to changes in cognitive functions such as attention and memory tasks.

Conclusion

The inclusion of uncertainty analysis through Monte Carlo simulation suggested results closer to the null hypothesis, highlighting the potential mitigating effect of methodological uncertainties on observed associations between mobile phone use and cognitive function.