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PROFORMA FOR REGESTRATION OF SUBJECT

FOR DISSERTATION

MISS:ALPHONSA THOMAS
I YEAR M. Sc NURSING
MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING
YEAR 2011 -2013

IKON COLLEGE OF NURSING


NO 32 BEEMANAHALLI,
B.M MAIN ROAD
RAMANAGARAM DISTRICT
BIDADI, BANGALORE - 562109

RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES,


BANGALORE, KARNATAKA

PROFORMA FOR REGISTRATION OF SUBJECT FOR


DISSERTATION

NAME OF THE CANDIDATE MISS:ALPHONSA THOMAS


AND ADDRESS
I YEAR M. Sc NURSING
IKON COLLEGE OF NURSING
NO.32. BEEMANHALLI
BIDADI 562109
BANGALORE- MYSORE ROAD
RAMANAGARAM TALUK AND
DISTRICT

NAME OF THE INSTITUTION IKON COLLEGE OF NURSING,


BANGALORE

COURSE OF THE STUDY I Year M.Sc NURSING


AND SUBJECT
MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING

DATE OF ADMISSION

30:07:2011

TITLE OF THE TOPIC

A Study to Assess the


Knowledge and Attitude of Youth
Regarding the Health Hazards of
Mobile phones in Selected Colleges
in Banglore

6. BRIEF RESUME OF THE INTENDED WORK


6.1 INTRODUCTION

Mobile phones may be categorized as common communication medium. Almost


71% of the global population uses them. The diffusion of the mobile phone was among the
fastest of any technology in history. Such a rapidly evolving and wide spread
communication technology and medium has important social contexts and implications.
Mobile phones have secured themselves a prominent position in the human needs hierarchy,
for the number one thing that young professionals cant live without. Cell phones have
become a mainstream product in todays world and have a huge impact on todays world.
When mobile phones hit the high street over 10 years ago, not only did it give us the ability
to communicate with friends, family and colleagues anytime and anywhere, but along the
way it has also changed our social behavior and has made a huge cultural impact. It is the
easiest way to stay connected with family and friends and also provides security, like
updating our parents where we are if it gets late to go home. It helps to socialize, creates a
sense of belonging to peer group and easy access to media and environment. Apart from its
regular use, cell phones express individual identities. Right from the model we buy till the
ring tone and wallpaper set, every minute detail is noted. Mobile phones have also become
a secret diary for teenagers.1
According to certain reports the use of mobile phones go on increasing world wide.
The number of cell phone users has increased rapidly. As of 2010, there were more than 303
million subscribers to cell phone service in the United States, according to the Cellular
Telecommunications and Internet Association. This is a nearly threefold increase from the
110 million users in 2000. Globally, the number of cell phone subscriptions is estimated by
the International Telecommunications Union to be 5 billion. In 1990, 12.4 million people
owned mobile phones (0.25% of the worlds population) compared to roughly 5 billion
people 20 years later (67% of the worlds population) At any given second, there are 4.5
million mobile phone calls taking place globally. According to a 2009 survey 75 percent of
12- to 17-year-olds own cell phones. One in three sends more than 100 text messages each
day or 3000 texts each month, and more than four out of five sleep with their cell phones
under their pillow, or on or next to their bed.2,3
With youth population constituting half of the population, India has become a fine
breeding ground for highest cell connections

Indias mobile subscribers totalled 563.73

million at the last count, enough to serve nearly half of the country's 1.2 billion population.
India's wireless subscriber base increased from 840.28 million in May 2011 to 851.70

million at the end of June 2011, registering a growth of 1.36%, according to data supplied
by the telecom regulator. The share of Urban Subscriber has marginally decreased to 66%
from 66.02% where as share of Rural Subscribers has marginally increased from 33.98% to
34%. India's telecoms regulator, TRAI [Telecom Regulatory Authority of India] has
reported that the number of telephone subscribers in India increased to 839.32 million at the
end of March 2011 from 826.25 million at the end of February 2011, thereby registering a
growth rate of 2.43%.4
It should come as no surprise that, of todays total mobile phone owners, 36% fall
into the youth demographic, with youth spending an estimated $330 billion annually on
mobile phones . The reasons for the explosion of mobile in general are particularly pertinent
for the youth market. Mobile signifies connectedness, a sense of being in touch or part of a
community wherever you are. For a market that attaches huge importance to being part of
the crowd, being in the know and being on the move, mobile is a natural fit. This is
advantageous for brands that target the youth market and which have leveraged the
capabilities offered by mobile to make marketing more social, local, reward-driven and fun.
Location-based service foursquare experienced 3400% growth during 2010, with 60% of
this new user base falling between the ages of 18 and 23. Youth value the status that is
associated with the places they are checking into in addition to the action of checking in
itself.5
The 18-29 year old age group uses their phones more than any other age group, the
most popular activities being SMS or other messaging services, followed by taking
photographs and listening to music. Underground raves and secret parties, leaked by
anonymous pre-paid mobile texts, saw a surge in popularity during 2010 , further
highlighting the pricelessness of status and connection amongst the youth market. 81% of
youth surveyed last year stated that they would rather spend their last R10 on their mobile
phones than on food.6
A naturally high percentage of early adopters is one of several key primary causes
for the high mobile usage and growth within the youth market - 60% of time spent on
smartphones is new activity for users and younger markets gravitate naturally towards
experimentation and new technologies. A secondary effect of early adoption is the inflated
importance of status for the youth market: 80 million Generation Americans describe a
mobile phone or other technological gadget as being the new car as a barometer of social
4

status. Globally, 64% of consumers between the ages of 16 and 24 cite influence by and a
desire to impress their peers as their number one influence in choosing a mobile phone. For
this reason, brand loyalty to mobile phones and network operators is extremely low one
third of the youth market switch mobile operators every year, swayed by trends and
emergent offerings. Typifying the same lemming-esque behaviour that fuelled the
popularisation of such stylistic mishaps as the shoulder pad and the platform sneaker, a
youth consumer has a 50% chance of switching mobile networks if 10 or more of their
friends do so. The purchase decisions of 57% of Asian youth are driven by word of mouth
from their peers.7
The tipping point, at which 50% of the developed world will own a Smartphone, is
on the horizon. Uptake of services enabled by the proliferation of the mobile web will
continue to be led by the youth market, accelerated by emerging platforms which speak to
the need for information-sharing and commerce, as well as augmenting offline experiences
through real-time social and location-based features. Youth are discovering mobile services
that offer them a way to extend the real life behaviours that come naturally (connection and
sharing) with friends, family and the others on their contact list. The sense of ownership and
identity that accompany a mobile phone empower the consumer (the market gap for
empowerment being even wider in developing nations), allowing them to become
increasingly connected and informed and providing them with a sense and experience - of
independence. No wonder the youth market is so determinedly dialled in8
The largest mobile youth market in the world is Asia, which is home to over half of
the worlds mobile-owning youth accounted for one of every three phones sold. In
developed nations, such as China and Japan, social networking and other mobile Internet
activities are the most popular Amongst all the Asian developing nations, China and India
have been earmarked as the ones to watch, with the latter set to emerge as the mobile youth
superpower. By 2012, one in five of the worlds mobile youth population will be living in
India. Leading the race for mobile adoption are young Indians in rural areas, 100 million of
whom own a cell phone. Although smartphone penetration in India is currently very low at
4%, the rise in popularity and acceptance of the smartphone, combined with lowered prices
offer a bigger opportunity in terms of market size and potential. Indian youth spend almost
6 hours per day on their mobile phones, the bulk of this time being spent listening to music.
India is predicted to leapfrog both the US and Europe to become the second largest

smartphone market in the world with 66 million users by 2012. Over time, the number of
cell phone calls per day, the length of each call, and the amount of time people use cell
phone is have increased. Cell phone technology has also undergone substantial changes3
The Mobile Society Research Institute, based in Japan, has reported that,according
to an international study at how youth in Japan, South Korea, China, India, and Mexico use
mobile technology in their daily lives. Over 6,000 youth between the ages of 19 and 30 and
their parents were surveyed on a range of questions regarding their use, attitudes and
feelings toward mobile phones.The survey found that ,Mobile phone technology has
become ubiquitous among youth. The survey found that 24% of them bought their mobile
phone when one of their three closest friends bought a mobile phone. The network effect
was strongest in Japan India and China, and weakest in Mexico.Youth.The survey reveals
that 4% more girls owned a mobile phone than boys, and 9% more girls who did not own a
mobile phone wanted to. Among those surveyed who send/receive mobile SMS/texting
and/or mobile email tend to view their mobile phone as an essential device in their life.
Moreover, mobile email/SMS technology is used more than traditional voice
communications. The network effect seems to play an important role in the acquisition of
these behaviors.Ownership of mobile phones by youth has a direct correlation with age,
being female, parental income, parental emphasis on education, use of video games and
computers. In India, children are more likely to share a mobile phone with their entire
family. Network effect plays a high role in when or what age Indian children begin using
mobile technology. Among the children surveyed, 60% of parents expressed some concerns
about their children using mobile technology.6
Mobile phones today go beyond just voice communication and provide a multitude of
other features and services including text messaging (SMS), multimedia messaging (MMS),
photo display and recording, video playback and recording, calendaring, etc. The paper will
also seek out the usage patterns of mobile phones as an information access device with
respect to these features.

6.2 NEED FOR THE SYUDY


One of the most common sights we see these days, is that of people with their
mobile phones next to their ears. The mobile phone industry has been one of the fastest
growing industries in modern history. Today, India has million mobile phone users, and

mobile phones account for 88% of all telecommunication users. The rural sector accounts
for more than 25% of all wireless phone users and this proportion is bound to grow as
affordability of mobile phones continues to increase. In the years ahead, an ever-increasing
number exposed for long periods of time to radiation from mobile phones. In 2008, the
Telecom Commission (the policy-making body of the Department of Telecommunicatics,
Government of India) adopted the emission guidelines prescribed by the International
Commission on Non-Protection (ICNIRP). Studies have demonstrated that usage
behaviours, such as duration of usage and predominant, one-sided use of mobile phones are
some of the chief risks that increase likelihood of hazards resulting from mobile phone use9
Radiofrequency energy is a form of electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic
radiation can be categorized into two types: ionizing (e.g., x-rays, radon, and cosmic rays)
and non-ionizing (e.g., radiofrequency and extremely low-frequency or power frequency)
Exposure to ionizing radiation, such as from radiation therapy, is known to increase the risk
of cancer. However, although many studies have examined the potential health effects of
non-ionizing radiation from radar, microwave ovens, and other sources, there is currently no
consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation increases cancer risk The one known
biological effect of radiofrequency energy is heating. The ability of microwave ovens to
heat food is one example of this effect of radiofrequency energy. Radiofrequency exposure
from cell phone use does cause heating; however, it is not sufficient to measurably increase
body temperature.A recent study showed that when people used a cell phone for 50 minutes,
brain tissues on the same side of the head as the phones antenna metabolized more glucose
than did tissues on the opposite side of the brain The researchers noted that the results are
preliminary, and possible health outcomes from this increase in glucose metabolism are still
unknown.10
Part of the radio waves emitted by a mobile telephone handset are absorbed by the
human head. The radio waves emitted by a GSM handset can have a peak power of 2 watts,
and a US analogue phone had a maximum transmit power of 3.6 watts.. The maximum
power output from a mobile phone is regulated by the mobile phone standard and by the
regulatory agencies in each country. Radiofrequency exposure limits for mobile phone users
are given in terms of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) - the rate of radiofrequency energy
absorption per unit mass of the body. Currently, two international bodies have developed
exposure guidelines for workers and for the general public, except patients undergoing

medical diagnosis or treatment. These guidelines are based on a detailed assessment of the
available scientific evidence. The rate at which radiation is absorbed by the human body is
measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), and its maximum levels for modern
handsets have been set by governmental regulating agencies in many countries. In the USA,
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set a SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg, averaged
over a volume of 1 gram of tissue, for the head. In Europe, the limit is 2 W/kg, averaged
over a volume of 10 grams of tissue. SAR values are heavily dependent on the size of the
averaging volume. Without information about the averaging volume used, comparisons
between different measurements cannot be made11
According to a newsletter submitted the level of eclectromagnetic exposure that we
are exposed to is huge compared with what has been there through billions of years before.
The scientific journal Reviews on Environmental Health has published a report by
international scientists calling for greatly reduced exposure limits for electromagnetic
radiation from power line and telecommunications technologies, including cell phones and
wireless technologies. The statement, called The Seletun Scientific Statement, was written
by seven scientists in five countries, based on a large and growing body of science showing
biological effects. They say governments should take decisive action now to protect
biological function as well as the health of future generations.11
A considerable body of evidence proves, beyond reasonable doubt, that microwave
radiation from mobile phones and cordless phones cause a significantly increased risk for
health The reason is that present safety norms allow the use of mobile phones that emit far
too strong radiaton to be safe. These safety norms are contradicted by scientific evidence.
Research indicates that much weaker radiation than what is allowed in mobile and cordless
phones may have harmful effects. 12
A report says that the environmnent ministry of the German government said in
september 2007 that,people should avoid using Wi-Fi wherever possible because of the
risks it may pose to health. Wi-fi networks operate in the 2.4 and 5 GHz microwave bands,
that is the same order of magnitude as GSM mobile phone microwaves (0,9-1,8 GHz) and
the latest mobile brand G3 (1,9-2 GHz and 2,1-2,2 GHz). Higher frequencies are known to
be more harmful.13

A comprehensive review about Mobile Phone radiation hazards concluded, people


should be very restrictive with using mobile phones, as there is a significant body of
compelling scientific evidence in-dicating serious hazards from their use. Therefore, it is
advisable to reduce the use to very few and brief calls. People younger than 20 years should
have mobile phones that allow short message service messages only, but no talking, because
the risks are far higher in young people14
According to a report, in 1993, the telecom industry committed $25 million dollars
for a series of research projects designed to prove that cell phones are safe. The studies
proved just the opposite! They proved that federal microwave exposure standards are
dangerously inadequate. Cell damage and tumors can be easily induced in the lab at about
one third of the FCC's exposure guidelines. The telecom boys panicked. They and their
lackey politicians and federal regulators decided the only lucrative thing to do was to lie
and . Despite damning evidence, the FDA still prevaricates: "There is no reason to conclude
that there are health risks posed by cell phones to consumers." Meantime, the telecom
industry has been pressing to increase by more than 10 times the allowable human exposure
to cell phone radiation15
Mobile phones use electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range. Other digital
wireless systems, such as data communication networks, produce similar radiation. The
WHO has classified mobile phone radiation on the IARC scale into Group 2B - possibly
carcinogenic. That means that there "could be some risk" of carcinogenicity, so additional
research into the long-term, heavy use of mobile phones needs to be conducted. Some
national radiation advisory authorities have recommended measures to minimize exposure
to their citizens as a precautionary approach.16.
WHO has classified mobile phone radiations on the IARC scale into group 2Bpossibly

carcinogenic.WHO

(World

Health

Organization)

recommends

to

use

"Precautionary principle" with the purposes of decreasing of the risk. Russian National
Committee of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection recommended to limit the use of cell
phone by children and teenagers under 16 years old 17,12
The localised Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) as per the Indian guidelines standard
is 2 watt per kg, averaged over a six minute period. According to the study however, the
radiation effects are more in Indians than Europeans due to the tropical climate in India, low

mass index and low fat content. With higher SAR values of mobile handsets, the public
could potentially receive much higher radio frequency exposure. SAR levels be lowered
down to 1.6 watt per kg, as prescribed by the Federal Communication Commission of
United States (US).18
A boon for better communication, cell phone usage nonetheless has many health
hazards. Various studies indicate that the emissions from a cell phone can be extremely
harmful, causing genetic damage, tumours, memory loss, and increased blood pressure and
weakening of the immune system. This is alarming information, and one has to take into
account all these factors. The effect of mobile phone radiation on human health is the
subject of recent interest and study, as a result of the enormous increase in mobile phone
usage throughout the world .But the irony is that the public awareness regarding these
health hazards are considerably low and the mobile phone industry is trying to hide the
actual facts.There for the researcher felt the need to create awareness regarding health
hazards of mobile phone to youth since they are the most users.

6.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM


A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude of Youth Regarding the
Health Hazards of Mobile phones in Selected Colleges in Banglore
6.4 OBJECTIVES
1. To assess the existing Knowledge of youth regarding the health hazards of
mobile phones
10

2. To assess the attitude of youth regarding the health hazards of mobile phones
3. To correlate the knowledge and attitude of youth regarding the health hazards of
mobile phones
4. To associate the knowledge and attitude of youth regarding the health hazards
of mobile phones with selected demographic variable.
5. To develop a leaflet regarding safe use of mobile phones.

6.5 OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS


Assess:
Assessment refers to the statistical analysis of information gathered through
multiple choice questionnaire related to the knowledge of youth regarding the health
hazards of mobile phones
Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the degree or range of understanding and awareness of youth
regarding health hazards of mobile phones such as brain tumor,behavioral changes
hypertension,tachycardia etc.
Attitude:
It refers to opinion, belief and feelings expressed by youth regarding health hazards
of mobile phones such as risks,benefits, as elicited by three point likerts scale.
Youth:
Refers to the students who are attending the graduate or post graduate degree course
and within the age limit of 18 to 25 years.
Health
It refers to general physical mental and social wellbeing of youth who uses mobile
phones.
Health hazards
Harmful effects on complete physical mental and social wellbeing of youth who
uses mobile phones
Mobile phones
A hand held electronic device used for telecommunication

6.6 ASSUMPTIONS OF THE STUDY


11

The study assumes that:

Knowledge and attitude of youth may be affected by age, gender, educational status,
economic status, previous knowledge of health hazards of mobile phones,type of
family,residence,number of sims they are using,frequency of changing the
phone,cost of mobile,side effects while using,use of ear phones,and duration of
mobile phone usage per day.

The youth will have favorable attitude but may not have adequate knowledge
regarding the health hazards of mobile phones.

The selected group will have limited knowledge on health hazards of mobile phones

6.7 HYPOTHESES
H1: There will be significant correlation between knowledge and attitude of youth
regarding health hazards of mobile phones and selected demographic variables.
H2: There will be significant association of knowledge and attitude regarding health
hazards of mobile phones with selected demographic variables.

6.8 REVIEW OF LITERATURE


The term literature review refers to the activities involved in identifying and
searching information on a topic and developing an understanding of the state of knowledge
on the same. Also review of literature is a written summary of the state and the art of a
research problem. Literature review is an essential step in the whole process of research.
Therefore the researcher has reviewed literature with regard to the problem by referring
books, journals, thesis etc.

12

The review of literature done in the study is presented under the


following headings.
1.Studies related to general informations on mobile phones
2.Studies related to knowledge and attitude of public regarding health hazards
of mobile phones

3.Studies related to helth hazards of mobile phones

1.Studies related to general informations on mobile phones


According to telecommunication statistics 2010, in India,annually 227.12 million
additions of mobile subscribers were there for mobile subscribers.Monthly it is 18.93
million.It is 43.42 times than that of 2002. The Telecom regulatory authority of India
(TRAI) reported that among the total mobile subscribers 66 % are youth members.3
As per the reports mobile phones are categorized into high radiation phones and low
radiation phones.Those produsing radiation energy less than 0.8W/kg(Watts of radio
frequency energy per kilogram)are low radiation phones and those produsing radiation
energy more than 1.6W/kg are high radiation phones.89% of mobile phones which are there
in the market are of the latter10 .
A study conducted in France regarding the health hazards of radiofrequency
radiations using different animal species especially mammals revealed that exposure to
radio frequency waves above 1.2W/kg can cause serious health problems in different
systems of the body.19

2.studies related to knowledge and attitude of public regarding health hazards


of mobile phones
In 2009 an international survey was conducted with participants from 12 different
countries using 343560 samples regarding the knowledge of health hazards of mobile
phones and safe use of mobile phones.This survey revealed that 42% have knowledge
regarding health hazards and among them 81.87%

gave correct response to 65% of

questions and remaining responded correctly to 55 to 65% of questions..Knowledge about


safe mobile phone practices only 31.46% responded correctly to 50% of questions20.

13

A descriptive survey was conducted in Germany regarding the health hazard of


mobile phones and base stations in 2008 with 2540 participants.The participants were
asked to respond to a questionnaire .The analysis of results showed that 74.45% of them
have 60% of knowledge regarding health hazards of mobile phones and only 34.43% have
the knowledge regarding safe use of mobile phones21.
In 2005 the knowledge of risks associated with mobile phones, base stations, and
other sources of electromagnetic fields (EMF) were examined in France and Germany with
1015 participants. The result showed that 32% had 75% 0f knowledge and remaining had a
knowledge less than 50% only22.
An international survey conducted in 2010 with 343560 regarding the attitude of
public regarding health hazards of mobile phone revealed that 54.32% had positive attitude,
37.56% have negative attitude and 8.12% showed a neutral attitude 20.

3.studies related to helth hazards of mobile phones


A.Studies showing the risk of cancer
A cohort study was conducted to investigate the risk of tumours in the central
nervous system among Danish mobile phone subscribers .358,403 subscription holders
accrued 3.8 million person years. In the follow-up period 1990-2007, there were 10,729
cases of tumours of the central nervous system. The risk of such tumours was close to unity
for both men and women. When restricted to individuals with the longest mobile phone
use--that is, 13 years of subscription--the incidence rate ratio was 1.03 (95% confidence
interval 0.83 to 1.27) in men and 0.91 (0.41 to 2.04) in women. Among those with
subscriptions of 10 years, ratios were 1.04 (0.85 to 1.26) in men and 1.04 (0.56 to 1.95) in
women for glioma and 0.90 (0.57 to 1.42) in men and 0.93 (0.46 to 1.87) in women for
meningioma.23
An experimental study was done, in Sweden with 1251 cases of brain tumors
compared to controls to find significant association between mobile phone usage and cancer
risk. A well structured questionnaire and personnel interview were used to collect the
detailed history and habits. Analysis of the results reveals that mobile phone users had high
rate of incidence of brain tumors than non users. The risk increased the more years and the
more hours per year the phone had been used. The increased risk was 390% for mobile

14

phones and 190% for cordless phones. The greatest risk was for Astrocytoma, a malignant
tumor.24
The three-year study focused on the association between brain tumor and mobile
phone usage with 750 Samples who had used cell phones for at least 10 years. In the study,
researchers questioned 150 patients already diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, a benign
tumor on the auditory nerve that takes several years to grow before being diagnosed, and
600 who did not have it exhibited some changes in the cell type in the temporal area. All
750 subjects had been using cell phones for at least 10 years, nearly all early analog models
that emit more electromagnetic radiation than the digital models now on the market. Digital
phones emit radiation in pulses; the older analog varieties emit continuous waves. 25
In 2007, University in Sweden from 2 cohort studies and 16 case-control studies
with 300 samples found that Cell phone users had an increased risk of malignant gliomas
,and a Link between cell phone use and a higher rate of acoustic neuromas.Tumors are more
likely to occur on the side of the head that the cell handset is used, One hour of cell phone
use per day significantly increases tumor risk after ten years or more.26
A case control study conducted in Germany regarding the risk of cancer from
mobile phone base stations found a threefold higher frequency of cancer among people
living in the vicinity (400 m) of a GSM base station compared to people living further away
from the antenna. The risk for mammary cancer was 3,4 times greater and the average age
of contracting this disease was considerably lower, 50,8 years than in the control group
(69,9 years). The frequency increased also the longer people had been exposed to the
radiation. The study covered a ten year long period (1994-2004), starting the year after the
installation of the base station. Before the installation of the base station, there was no
difference in cancer incidence between n people living in the vicinity of the (future) base
station and the control area27.
A comparitive study was conducted Over 900 cancer patients from the years 19972003 in Scotland to find the relation between cancer incidence and time of exposure to
mobile phone radiations.these patients have been compared with a control group of over
2000 persons. The conclusion is that those who have used a mobile or a cordless phone for
more than one hour a day during ten years ran twice the risk of the control group to have
gliomas, the most malignant form of brain tumor.28

15

A survey study was conducted about the connection between mobile phone use and
cancer incidence. It followed over 420,000 Danish citizens for 20 years and showed a direct
relationship between mobile phone usage and glioma.the study proved that the rate of
cancer occurance is highly related to the duration of usage of mobile phones 29
A study conducted in Europe regarding the risk of different age groups for cancer
causation from mobile phones in 2008 found that age is a significant factor in the risk of.
They found that the use of cell phones before age 20 increased the risk of brain tumors by
5.2, compared to 1.4 for all ages.30
An australian meta-study presented that there is an increasing body of evidence for a
link between mobile phone usage and certain brain tumours.A scientific team at the Perth
conducted an epidemiological study in2008 regarding the health risk and mobile usage,with
400 people suggested that regular use of a mobile phone over a decade or more was
associated with an increased risk of acoustic neuroma, a type of benign brain tumor. The
increase was not noted in those who had used phones for fewer than 10 years. 31
A report was submitted regarding the effects of exposure to radiofrequency radiation
(RFR) emitted by standard GSM cell phones on the cognitive functions of humans. The
study confirmed longer (slower) response times to a spatial working memory task when
exposed to RFR from a standard GSM cellular phone placed next to the head of male
subjects, and showed that longer duration of exposure to RFR may increase the effects on
performance. Right-handed subjects exposed to RFR on the left side of their head on
average had significantly longer response times when compared to exposure to the right
side and sham-exposure31
A crossectional study conducted by National cancer institute using 400 samples,
regarding cancer risk and mobile usage showed a statistically significant, albeit modest,
increase in the risk of glioma among the small proportion of study participants who spent
the most total time on cell phone calls.This confirms that the risk of cancer causation is
directly proportional to the length of usage of mobilephones in a day32.
CEFALO is a multicenter case-control study conducted in Denmark, Sweden,
Norway, and Switzerland that includes all children and adolescents aged 7-19 years who
were diagnosed with a brain tumor between 2004 and 2008. They conducted interviews, in

16

person, with 352 case patients (participation rate: 83%) and 646 control subjects
(participation rate: 71%) and their parents. Control subjects were randomly selected from
population registries and matched by age, sex, and geographical region. They asked about
mobile phone use and included mobile phone operator records when available. Odds ratios
(ORs) for brain tumor risk and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using
conditional logistic regression models.The results shows that.Regular users of mobile
phones were significantly more likely to have been diagnosed with brain tumors compared
with nonusers . Children who started to use mobile phones at least 5 years ago were at
increased risk compared with those who had never regularly used mobile phones. In a
subset of study participants for whom operator recorded data were available, brain tumor
risk was related to the time elapsed since the mobile phone subscription was started and
amount of use. An increased risk of brain tumors was observed for brain areas receiving the
highest amount of exposure.33
A meta analysis study was conducted in Sweden to find out the association between
long term mobile use and brain tumors. The study identified ten studies on glioma and meta
analysis yielded OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.8-1.1. Latency period of 10-years gave OR = 1.2,
95% CI = 0.8-1.9 based on six studies, for ipsilateral use (same side as tumour) OR = 2.0,
95% CI = 1.2-3.4 (four studies), but contralateral use did not increase the risk significantly,
OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.6-2.0. Meta-analysis of nine studies on acoustic neuroma gave OR =
0.9, 95% CI = 0.7-1.1 increasing to OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.6-2.8 using 10-years latency
period (four studies). Ipsilateral use gave OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.1-5.3 and contra-lateral OR
= 1.2, 95% CI = 0.7-2.2 in the 10-years latency period group (three studies). Seven studies
gave results for meningioma yielding overall OR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.7-0.99. Using 10years latency period OR = 1.3, 9.34
B.Studies showing genotoxic effects
In December 2004, a pan-European study named REFLEX (Risk Evaluation of
Potential Environmental Hazards from Low Energy Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Exposure
Using Sensitive in vitro Methods), involving 12 collaborating laboratories in several
countries showed some compelling evidence of DNA damage of cells in in-vitro cultures,
when exposed between 0.3 to 2 watts/kg, whole-sample average. There were indications,
but not rigorous evidence of other cell changes, including damage to chromosomes,
alterations in the activity of certain genes and a boosted rate of cell division35.
17

A meta-analysis (2008) of 63 in vitro and in vivo studies from the years 19902005
concluded that RF radiation is genotoxic in some conditions. A four year study conducted
by the European Union (EU) by 12 research groups in 7 European countries found that
radiation from cell phones harm body cells and damages DNA. The damaged DNA was
passed on to subsequent generations of cells, a condition for the formation of cancer36.
A meta-study (2009) of 101 publications on genotoxicity of RF electromagnetic
fields showed that 49 reported a genotoxic effect and 42 not. The authors found "ample
evidence that RF-EMF can alter the genetic material of exposed cells in vivo and in vitro
and in more than one way37
C.Studies related to complicatins in the cardio vascular system
A crossectinal study in canada with 250 samples regarding the effect of radio
frequency radiations on heart rate found that, immediately at the start of radiation exposure,
the pulse frequency almost doubled ( 122 to 129 BP and returned to normal (66 BPM)
immediately as the phone was turned off. The subject did not know when he was exposed.
The study was double-blind, that is, neither the subjects nor the experimenters knew when
the radiation occurred. Also irregular heart beating occurred at exposure. Most importantly
the radiation exposure was 200 times lower than the intensity approved according to federal
guidelines in Canada and the US (1000 microW/cm2, 10mW/m2). They emphasizes that
the results are relevant for mobile phones as well, because the radiation is in the same range
of radiation intensity and frequency.38
Another

cross sectional study conducted regarding the effect of radio frequency

radiations on blood pressure in Netherland with 125 samples found that during exposed to
2.0 watts of RF-EMF(Radio frequency Electro magnetic field) for 10 minutes the blood
pressure increases by 3.4% than control groups. In 1995, a meta study in Europe reported
damaged DNA after two hours of microwave radiation at levels deemed safe according to
government standards39
A Canadian state funded survey was conducted in 2007.The survey analysed 869
hypertensive patients.A questionnaire and personnel interview was used to collect datas.The
survey revealed that about 89.34 % of the samples were chronic users of mobile phones.40
D.studies showing other complications

18

A case control study was conducted to evaluated the effect of RF-EMF on spermspecific characteristics to assess the fertilizing competence of sperm in South Africa..
Highly motile human spermatozoa were exposed for 1 h to 900-MHz mobile phone
radiation at a specific absorption rate of 2.0 W/kg and examined at various times after
exposure. The acrosome reaction was evaluated using flow cytometry. The radiation did not
affect sperm propensity for the acrosome reaction. Morphometric parameters were assessed
using computer-assisted sperm analysis. Significant reduction in sperm head area (9.2 0.7
m vs. 18.8 1.4 m) and acrosome percentage of the head area (21.5 4% vs. 35.5
11.4%) was reported among exposed sperm compared with unexposed controls. Spermzona binding was assessed directly after exposure using the hemizona assay. The mean
number of zona-bound sperm of the test hemizona and controls was 22.8 12.4 and 31.8
12.8 (p < 0.05), respectively. This study concludes that although RF-EMF exposure did not
adversely affect the acrosome reaction, it had a significant effect on sperm morphometry. In
addition, a significant decrease in sperm binding to the hemizona was observed. These
results could indicate a significant effect of RF-EMF on sperm fertilization potential41
An experimental laboratory study conducted in Ohio using 567 samples of
mammalian brains to find the changes happening due to exposure to mobile phone
radiations.The experimental group animals were exposed to microwaves from GSM mobile
phones. Exposed animals, were much more likely to have albumin leaking from blood
vessels. Control animals, in contrast, showed either no albumin leakage or occasional
isolated spots. A closer look at the cells within the brain revealed that exposed animals had
scattered and grouped dark neuronsoft en shrunken. with loss of internal cell structures. A
neuronal damage of the kind described here may not have immediate, demonstrable
consequences, even if repeated. In the long run, however, it may result in reduced brain
reserve capacity that might be unveiled by other later neuronal disease or even the wear and
tear of aging.38
An Egyptian study was done to study fetal and neonatal heart rate (HR) and cardiac
output (COP), following acute maternal exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted
by mobile phone.The study was carried out at Benha University Hospital and El-Shorouq
Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, from October 2003 to March 2004. Ninety women with
uncomplicated pregnancies aged 18-33 years, and 30 full term healthy newborn infants
were included. The pregnant mothers were exposed to EMF emitted by mobile telephones

19

while on telephone-dialing mode for 10 minutes during pregnancy and after birth. The main
outcome were measurements of fetal and neonatal HR and COP.they found a statistical
significant increase in fetal and neonatal HR, and statistical significant decrease in stroke
volume and COP before and after use of mobile phone were noted. All these changes are
attenuated with increase in gestational age.this concluded that exposure of pregnant women
to mobile phone significantly increase fetal and neonatal HR, and significantly decreased
the cardiac out put42
An experimental study conducted at the University of Montpellier in France was
carried out on 6000 chick embryos.That embrios are exposed to GSM radiations. The
results suggested that the heavily exposed chick eggs were five times less likely to survive
than the control group. This study raised questions about possible effects on pregnant
women but it has not yet appeared in peer-reviewed scientific literature or been reproduced,
so its findings are difficult to assess43
Swedish researchers from Lund University have conducted an experimental study
regarding the effects of microwave radiation on the rat brain using 464 rat bains. They
found a leakage of albumin into the brain via a permeated blood-brain barrier compared to
the control group.This study revealed that mobile phone radiations can alter the
permeability of bllo brain barrier.44
A a prospective cohort study of young adults of age 20 to 24 was conducted by
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department in, Sweden to investigate about the
associations between psychosocial aspects of mobile phone use and mental health
symptoms with 4156 samples.Mobile phone exposure variables included frequency of use,
demands on availability, perceived stressfulness of accessibility, being awakened at night by
the mobile phone, and personal overuse of the mobile phone. Mental health outcomes
included current stress, sleep disorders, and symptoms of depression. Prevalence ratios
(PRs) were calculated for cross-sectional and prospective associations between exposure
variables and mental health outcomes.It has been found that there were cross-sectional
associations between high to low mobile phone use and stress, sleep disturbances, and
symptoms of depression for the men and women. All qualitative variables had crosssectional associations with mental health outcomes. In prospective analysis, overuse was
associated with stress and sleep disturbances for women, and high accessibility stress was
associated with stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression for both men and
20

women. High frequency of mobile phone use at baseline was a risk factor for mental health
outcomes at 1-year follow-up among the young adults. The risk for reporting mental health
symptoms at follow-up was greatest among those who had perceived accessibility via
mobile phones to be stressful. 36
According to the International Headache Society's survey headache was the most
prevalent symptom among users compared with non-users of mobile phones, with an
adjusted prevalence rate ratio of 1.31 (95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.70). There was a
significant increase in the prevalence of headache with increasing duration of use (min/day)
(P=0.038). The prevalence of headache was considerably reduced among those who used
hands-free equipment compared with those who never used such equipment (42% v 65%).
Health hazards of mobile phones 45
A study conducted by hearing experts, who compared the hearing ability of 100
mobile phone users between the ages of 18 and 25 with that of 50 others who did not use
mobile phones. This study found a 18% reduction in hearing capacity in those who use
mobile phones.it again established a direct relation ship between length of time of mobile
usage and the percentage of hearing loss46
A saudi Arabian study conducted with the aim to investigate the association of using
mobile phones with fatigue, headache, dizziness, tension and sleep disturbance in the Saudi
population and provide health and social awareness in using these devicesThis study was
conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University,
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the year 2002 to 2003. In the present study, a total
of 437 subjects (55.1% male and 39.9% female) were invited, they have and had been using
mobile phones. A questionnaire was distributed regarding detailed history and association
of mobile phones with health hazards.The results of the present study showed an association
between the use of mobile phones and health hazards. The overall mean percentage for
these clinical findings in all groups were headache (21.6%), sleep disturbance (4.%),
tension (3.9%), fatigue (3%) and dizziness (2.4%).47
A study about the persons living near mobile phone base stations reveald that
symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and difficulty in concentration were more common in
people with higher potential exposures to radiation from nearby base stations, and that the

21

association remained significant after adjustment for various possible confounding factors,
including regular personal use of mobile phones.48
As per the studies conducted in china regarding the effects from cell phone radiation
on children, demonstrates an increase in phonemic perception disorders, abatement of
efficiency, reduced indicators for the arbitrary and semantic memory and increased
fatigue.Over the four-year monitoring of 196 children ages 7-12 who were users of mobile
communication devices, a steady decline in these parameters like from high values to
bottom standards compared was observed. 49

7. MATERIALS AND METHODS


7.1. SOURCE OF DATA
students who are attending the graduate or post graduate degree course and within
the age limit of 18 to 25 years in selected colleges in Bangalore.
7.2. METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION
i).RESERCH DESIGN
Research design used in this study is Non experimental descriptive correlational
design.
ii). RESERCH VARIABLES
1.Dependent Variables:
Knowledge and attitude of youth regarding health hazards of mobile phones
2.Independent Variable:

22

The demographic variables of youth such as age, gender, educational status,


economic status, previous knowledge of health hazards of mobile phones,type of
family,residence,number of sims they are using,frequency of changing the phone,cost of
mobile,side effects while using,use of ear phones,and duration of mobile phone usage per
day.
iii).SETTING:
The setting of the study will be at selected colleges in Bangalore.
iv).POPULATION:
Population for the present study are students who are attending the graduate or post
graduate degree courses and within the age limit of 18 to 25 years in selected colleges in
Bangalore

v).SAMPLE:
Youth aged 18 to 25 years who are fulfilling the inclusion criteria will be the
samples.sample size will be 90.
vi).CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF SAMPLE
Inclusion criteria
1.Youth in the age group 18 to 25 years
2.Youth studying graduate or post graduate courses in the selected college at Banglore
3.Students who are present at the time of data collection
4.Students who are able to read, write and understand English language
Exclusion criteria:
1.Students who are abscent at the time of data collection
2.Students who are not willing to participate in the study

23

3.Students who are below the age of 18 and above the age of 25.
vii).SAMPLING TECHNIQUE:
Sampling technique used in the study is Non probability convenience sampling.
viii).TOOL FOR DATA COLLECTION
Section A: Self administered questionnaire to assess demographic data such as age,
gender, educational status, economic status, previous knowledge of health hazards of
mobile phones,type of family,residence,number of sims they are using,frequency of
changing the phone,cost of mobile,side effects while using,use of ear phones,and duration
of mobile phone usage per day.
Section B: Self administered questionnaire to assess the knowledge of

youth

regarding health hazards of mobile phones


Section C: Five point Likert scale to assess the attitude of youth regarding health
hazards of mobile phones
.ix).METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
After obtaining the permission from the significant authorities, self administered
questionnaire is used to assess the demographic data for 10 minutes, and knowledge of
youth regarding health hazards of mobile phones for 30 minutes,followed bythe
administration of a five point Likert scale will be used to assess the attitude of youth in
selected colleges in, Bangalore regarding health hazards of mobile phones
Duration of the study is: 4 weeks.
x).PLAN FOR DATA ANALYSIS:
Data collected will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Descriptive statistics:
Frequency,Percentage Distribution Mean,Standard Deviation and and mean score
percentage will be used to assess the knowledge and attitude of youth regarding health
hazards of mobile phones

24

Inferential statistics:
1.Correlation - co- efficient will be used to determine the correlation between
knowledge and attitude of youth in selected colleges in, Bangalore regarding health hazards
of mobile phones
2 chi-square test will be used to determine the association between knowledge
attitude with selected demographic variables.
xi).PROJECTED OUT COME
The investigator will be able to identify the existing knowledge and attitude of youth
regarding health hazards of mobile phones.Based on the findings the investigator will
prepare a leaflet about the health hazards and safe use of mobile phones,which will help to
improve the knowledge and attitude of youth regarding health hazards of mobile phones
7.3 DOES THE STUDY REQUIRE ANY INVESTIGATION TO BE CONDUCTED
ON THE PATIENT OR OTHER HUMAN BEINGS OR ANIMALS?
Yes the study requires minimum investigation on knowledge and attitude of youth
regarding halth hazards of mobile phones,because the investigator is planning only for
descriptive study and no active manipulation is involved in the study. No other investigation
which cause any harm will be done in the subjects. .
7.4 HAS ETHICAL CLEARANCE BEEN OBTAINED FROM CONCERNED
AUTHORITY?
Permission will be obtained from the head of the institution.Formal permission will
be obtained from concerned authority of selected colleges at banglore

25

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26

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28

32. Franklin.Joshia.Mobile phone radiation hazards propotional to exposure.Indian


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Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (UMTS, 1,950 MHz) induce genotoxic
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May 9;81(6):755-67
37. L.Stronati.A. Testa J.Moquet etal. An in vitro study of genotoxicity in human
lymphocytes. International Journel of Radiation Biology. 2006 May
9;82(5):339-346
38. Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology
(PSRAST).Mobile phone Safety.Available from .http://www.psrast.org/
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41. N.Falzone.C.Huyser P.Becker etal.The effect of pulsed 900-MHz GSM mobile
phone radiation on the acrosome reaction, head morphometry and zona binding of
human spermatozoa.International journel of andrology. 2011 Feb8;34(2):20-26.

29

42. A.Y Rezk .K.Abdulqawi R.M. Mustafa . etal.Neonatal responses following


maternal exposure to mobile phones.Soudi medical journel. 2008 Feb12;29(2):
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43. R.D.Rajagopal.Evidences of mobile phone radiation hazards.Health
action.2010March3;165(54): 22-24
44. H.Nittby A.Brun.J.Eberhardt.etal.Increased blood-brain barrier permeability in
mammalian brain 7 days after exposure to the radiation from a GSM-900 mobile
phone. Pathophysiology. 2009Aug8;16(16-17):103-12
45. Sin-Eng Chia.Hwee-Pin Chia.Jit-Seng Tan. Prevalence of headache is increased
among users in Singapore British Medical Journel. 2000 November 4;321(22):115
46. Sara Thome.Annika.Hrenstam.Mats Hagberg.BMC Public Health .2011January
4;11(633):66
47. S.A.Meo A.M Al-Drees Mobile phone related-hazards and subjective hearing and
vision symptoms in the Saudi population.International journe of occupational
health and environmental medicine 2005 July5;18(1):53-57
48. D.Coggon. H.P Hutter. H.Moshammer.Subjective symptoms sleeping problems
and cognitive performance in subjects living near mobile phone base stations.
Occupational Environmental Medicine.2006September19;63(307):313-318
49. M.Takao.S.Takahashi.M.Kitamura.Addictive personality and problematic mobile
phone use. Cyberpsychology and Behavior 2009 January9;12(5):501- 507

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Signature of the candidate

10

Remark of the guide

Appropriate study in todays


context

11

Name and designation of Guide

Prof.P.Maria Ignatius
Principal

11.1

Signature

11.2

co-guide if any

11.3

Signature

11.4

Head of the department

11.5

Signature

Miss:G.Vijayalakshmi

Prof.P.Maria Ignatius

31

12

Remark of the principal

Appropriate study in todays


context

12.1

Signature

32

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