Prospective cohort study on non-specific symptoms, cognitive, behavioral, sleep and mental health in relation to electronic media use and transportation noise among adolescents (HERMES): study protocol

Authors: Jaillian H, Sandoval-Diez N, Waibl VJ, Schmutz M, Trefalt S et al.

Year: 2024

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Open Research Europe

Institution: Not specified

DOI: Not provided

URL: https://open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/articles/4-120/v2

Abstract

Overview

Electronic media (eMedia) devices and transportation noise are integral parts of adolescents' daily lives. Concerns have been raised about excessive eMedia usage—not only for its links to sleep deprivation, but notably because of increased exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by wireless devices.

Study Aim

The HERMES (Health Effects Related to Mobile PhonE Use in AdolescentS) study seeks to pinpoint biophysical and psychological pathways that relate eMedia use, RF-EMF exposure, and transportation noise to cognitive, behavioral, sleep, and mental health outcomes—as well as to non-specific symptoms.

Methodology

  • Third wave of the ongoing HERMES cohort: prospective design, with follow-up every four months and at one year.
  • Participants: Adolescents in 7th or 8th grade in Northwest and Central Switzerland.
  • Assessments include: Questionnaire on eMedia use and health outcomes, computerized cognitive tests, parental questionnaire regarding child's health and eMedia use predictors.
  • Exposure assessment: Far-field RF-EMF and transportation noise at home/school modeled with propagation models; cumulative RF-EMF brain dose calculated using self-reported use, mobile data, and RF-EMF modeling.
  • Follow-up: One-year revisit, interim home questionnaires, and, for a subsample, RF-EMF personal measurements plus sleep/physical activity tracked by accelerometer.

Findings & Implications

This HERMES recruitment wave is designed to deepen our understanding of causal pathways between adolescent eMedia use, RF-EMF, and transportation noise exposures, and health impacts. There is evidence linking RF-EMF exposure to cognitive, behavioral, and mental health risks, and this study aims to clarify those relationships in the adolescent population.

Conclusion

The HERMES study outcomes will significantly inform governmental health policy and provide important insights for parents and the public regarding the health risks associated with RF-EMF from wireless devices and environmental noise.

Plain Language Summary

- eMedia devices (like smartphones) and transportation noise are daily exposures for adolescents.
- Excessive use of these devices increases both sleep deprivation and RF-EMF exposure,
- Both types of exposures may adversely impact cognition, mental health, and behavior in adolescents.
- The study uses questionnaires, cognitive testing, and physical measurements to unravel these health links over a one-year period.

RF-EMF adolescents electronic media health outcomes transportation noise cognitive function mental health
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