Assessment of awareness of possible health effects of radiation emitted by mobile phones among University of Nigeria Enugu campus students

Authors

  • Ukamaka Beatrice Maduka Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology College of Medicine University of Nigeria Enugu Campus
  • Anakwue Angel-Mary Chukwunyelu University of Nigeria Enugu Campus
  • Abonyi Everistus Obinna University of Nigeria Enugu Campus
  • Onwuzu Sobechukwu Warric University of Nigeria Enugu Campus
  • Umekwe Cecilia Ngozi University of Nigeria Enugu Campus
  • Uzo Emmanuel Chukwueloka University of Nigeria Enugu Campus

Keywords:

radiation, microwave, radiofrequency

Abstract

Objective.  To assess the awareness of University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC) students on the radiation emitted by mobile phones and the possible health effects of the emitted radiation.

Methods.  A cross-sectional study of UNEC students was conducted from April to July 2017. Participants were recruited through a convenient sampling technique. A quantitative questionnaire comprising three sections was used to collect data from participants in the following five faculties of UNEC: Health Sciences and Technology; Medical Sciences; Environmental Sciences; Business Administration; and Law.

Results.  Three hundred and sixty (n=360 students) participated in the study: males (n=172/47.8%) and females (n=188/52.2%). Three hundred and thirty-eight (94%) were aware that mobile phones emit some form of radiation. Furthermore, 320 students (88.9%) were aware that the emitted radiation from mobile phones may have some harmful effects. All (n=212/100%) participants in the first three faculties stated that they were aware of the negative effects of using mobile phones. Sixty-three of the 75 participants (84%) from the Business Administration faculty, and sixty of 73 participants (82.24%) from the Law faculty, stated that they were aware of the negative effects of using mobile phones.

Conclusion.  The awareness level of mobile phone radiation,, and its possible health effects among UNEC students, is high. Students from science-oriented faculties were better informed on the subject matter than those from arts and business-oriented faculties.

Author Biographies

Ukamaka Beatrice Maduka, Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology College of Medicine University of Nigeria Enugu Campus

Lecturer I in the department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences

Anakwue Angel-Mary Chukwunyelu, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus

Senior Lecturer at Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences

Abonyi Everistus Obinna, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus

Lecturer I at the department of Medical Radiography

Onwuzu Sobechukwu Warric, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus

Lecturer I at the department of Medical Radiography

Umekwe Cecilia Ngozi, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus

Student at the department of Medical Radiography

Uzo Emmanuel Chukwueloka, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus

Student at the department of Medical Radiography

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Published

2021-05-26

Issue

Vol. 59 No. 1 (2021)

Section

Original Articles

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