Mobile phones usage and awareness of potential health risks from radiation emitted by mobile phones among medical students at Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi

Abstract

The global increase in mobile phone (MP) usage in proximity to the human-body and proliferation of base stations has created potential health concerns about exposure to radiation emitted from these devices. This study aims to identify students who are knowledgeable about radiation emitted from MPs, assess their degree of awareness of the potential health risks from MP usage, and suggest precautionary and safety measures that can reduce or eliminate the health hazards of MP radiation. We prospectively evaluated medical students' knowledge of MP-emitted radiation, potential health risks, precautionary and safety measures at Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, between May 13th and July 12th, 2022. Data was obtained through a well-structured questionnaire, analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 with a p value<0.05. Results were presented in tables and figures. The study included 147 fourth-sixth year medical students, aged 20-38 years, male: female ratio 3:1, and mean age of 26.5±3.4. Knowledge of radiation emitted from MPs was high, 134(91.2%), especially among final year students. Similarly, 93 (63.3%) students were aware of potential health risks associated with MP usage, with some evidently experiencing the negative consequences. Many students ignored precautionary measures and continued making long phone-conversations 80(54.4%), putting MPs in their pockets 92(62.6%) and at their bed-head 77(52.4%), prompting crucial safety measures. Knowledge of radiation emitted by MPs was outstanding, with considerable awareness of potential health risks from MP usage. Important safety measures were proposed, even though the precautionary measures to minimize these risks were largely ignored.