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Understanding Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) From Mobile Phone Radiofrequency Radiation (RFR) Exposure: A Mixed-Method Study Protocol

Bioelectromagnetics · 2025 · Unclear · Insufficient evidence

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UnclearInsufficient evidencePaper 2663

This is a mixed-method study protocol describing planned quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify predictors of EHS from mobile phone radiofrequency radiation exposure and to explore individual experiences related to EHS among undergraduate students.

Study snapshot

PublicationBioelectromagnetics · 2025
Study typeother
Reported directionUnclear
Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Institution: Universiti Putra Malaysia Tags: electromagnetic hypersensitivity, radiofrequency radiation, mobile phone, biopsychosocial model, undergraduate students, mixed-method study, public health DOI: 10.1002/bem.70007 URL: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Overview More than 7 billion mobile phone users were recorded worldwide in 2022. Radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from mobile phones can produce radiobiological effects, which may lead to electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) in humans. Study Design - This study employs a mixed-method approach: - Quantitative component: Identifies predictors of EHS from mobile phone RFR using the biopsychosocial model. - Qualitative component: Explores individual experiences that contribute to EHS. - Quantitative analysis is conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 for descriptive and analytical statistics. - Qualitative analysis is carried out with NVivo version 14 for thematic analysis. Findings Findings from both analyses are compared and discussed to highlight similarities and differences, providing a richer, in-depth understanding of EHS resulting from mobile phone RFR exposure among undergraduate students. - The study sample consists of 351 undergraduate students aged 18-25 from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), conducted between April 2023 and December 2023. - Approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee for Research Involving Human Subjects at UPM before the study. - The quantitative component uses a proportionate simple random sampling method with a validated questionnaire. - The qualitative component utilizes purposive sampling through in-depth interviews. Conclusion Enhancing understanding of EHS may contribute to new knowledge and raise awareness of its potential effects on the population. ⚠️ Connection to Health Risk: This study underscores the health risks of electromagnetic field exposure (specifically from mobile phones). EHS is linked to exposure, reinforcing the need for awareness and further research.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeother
Effect directionunclear
PopulationUndergraduate students aged 18–25 at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Sample size351
ExposureRF
Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

This is a mixed-method study protocol describing planned quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify predictors of EHS from mobile phone radiofrequency radiation exposure and to explore individual experiences related to EHS among undergraduate students.

Outcomes measured

  • electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS)
  • predictors of EHS (biopsychosocial model)
  • individual experiences contributing to EHS (qualitative themes)

Limitations

  • Protocol/study design described; no health outcome results reported in the abstract
  • Mobile phone RFR exposure metrics (e.g., frequency, SAR, duration) not specified in the abstract
  • Single-university undergraduate sample may limit generalizability
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "other",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Undergraduate students aged 18–25 at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)",
  "sample_size": 351,
  "outcomes": [
    "electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS)",
    "predictors of EHS (biopsychosocial model)",
    "individual experiences contributing to EHS (qualitative themes)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "This is a mixed-method study protocol describing planned quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify predictors of EHS from mobile phone radiofrequency radiation exposure and to explore individual experiences related to EHS among undergraduate students.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "Protocol/study design described; no health outcome results reported in the abstract",
    "Mobile phone RFR exposure metrics (e.g., frequency, SAR, duration) not specified in the abstract",
    "Single-university undergraduate sample may limit generalizability"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "electromagnetic hypersensitivity",
    "EHS",
    "radiofrequency radiation",
    "RFR",
    "mobile phone",
    "biopsychosocial model",
    "mixed-method",
    "undergraduate students",
    "public health"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "who-icnirp",
      "weight": 0.2,
      "reason": "Addresses electromagnetic hypersensitivity in relation to RF exposure, a topic relevant to broader EMF health guidance discussions."
    }
  ]
}
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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1002/bem.70007
PubMed: 40293416

Read the original paper →

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