Mobile Phones and CNS Disease Risks
Author Information
Author(s): Joachim Schüz, Gunhild Waldemar Olsen, Jørgen H. Johansen, Christoffer Johansen
Primary Institution: Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, Danish Cancer Society
Hypothesis
Is there a link between cellular telephone use and risks for various diseases of the central nervous system (CNS)?
Conclusion
The study found increased hospital contacts for migraine and vertigo among mobile phone subscribers, but decreased risks for dementia and Parkinson's disease.
Supporting Evidence
- The study observed a 10-20% increase in hospital contacts for migraine and vertigo among mobile phone users.
- No associations were found for ALS, multiple sclerosis, or epilepsy among women.
- The cohort had a higher average income, which may relate to a healthier lifestyle.
- The study used a large sample size and long follow-up period for robust effect estimates.
Takeaway
Using mobile phones might make some people more likely to go to the hospital for headaches and dizziness, but it seems to lower the chances of getting dementia.
Methodology
A nationwide cohort study of 420,095 mobile phone subscribers was conducted, comparing their hospitalisation rates for CNS diseases with the general population.
Potential Biases
A healthy cohort effect may have influenced the results, as subscribers had higher average incomes and healthier lifestyles.
Limitations
The study may have exposure misclassification and did not include users whose subscriptions were in company names.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included 420,095 private mobile phone subscribers, with 15% being women and a majority aged 30-59.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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