Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Joseph F. Robare

Abstract

Uncertainties still exist about the safety of cell phone use and the level of cell phone-driven radiation. The purpose of the current inquiry was to determine the long-term health impacts of cell phone-driven radiation via the use of cell phones. In this cross-sectional study, which was based on socio-ecological theory, secondary data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed to assess the difference in the prevalence of thyroid cancer, mouth/tongue/lip cancer, and heart disease between exposed and non-exposed/less exposed cell phone-driven radiation groups in the United States. Logistic regression was used to address three research questions. Findings initially showed that cell phone use was associated with cancer outcome. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between individuals who were heavy users or sometimes users of cell phones and thyroid or mouth/tongue/lip cancer when compared to individuals who rarely or do not use cell phones. There was a relationship between heavy/sometimes users and heart disease when compared to individuals who rarely/do not use cell phones. Yet, when all the confounders/covariates were included in the model, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups compared. For assessment of thyroid cancer cases among individuals who received 'all/almost all calls' via the cell phones and those who received calls 'sometimes' on cell phones, age and sex were added in the model. Based on the study findings, policy-makers could further explore the implementation of comprehensive regulatory measures to address cell phone safety.

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