Longitudinal associations between risk appraisal of base stations for mobile phones, radio or television and non-specific symptoms

Authors: Martens AL, Slottje P, Smid T, Kromhout H, Vermeulen RCH, Timmermans DRM

Year: Sep 2018

Category: Psychosomatic Research

Journal: Journal of Psychosomatic Research

Institution: Dutch general population AMIGO cohort

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.07.008

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399918302058

Abstract

Overview

This study explores the impact of risk appraisals of electromagnetic fields from mobile phone, radio, and television base stations on non-specific symptoms like headaches and back pain. It is grounded in findings from the Dutch AMIGO cohort, highlighting crucial cross-sectional and longitudinal insights.

Objective

The research aims to assess both cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between risk appraisal and non-specific symptoms, with a focus on identifying influential participant characteristics such as sex, age, education, and trait negative affect.

Methods

The study analyzed responses from a subset of 1720 participants of the Dutch general population AMIGO cohort, established in 2011/2012, who completed two follow-up questionnaires in 2013 and 2014.
Data pertaining to perceived exposure, risk, and health concerns were collected as indicators of risk appraisal.

Findings

Results suggest that higher appraisals of risks associated with EMF exposure are linked to increased reporting of non-specific symptoms across both measured time points. Notably, only health concerns significantly predicted symptom severity over time.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the presence of significant associations and suggest potential bidirectional influences between risk appraisal and symptom reporting. The study calls for further research into the causal relationships and potential interventions for improving risk communication strategies.

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