Clustering of excess health concerns for electromagnetic fields among health personnel: A quantitative and qualitative approach.
Clustering patterns, among health-care personnel, of excessive concerns pertaining to perceived electromagnetic field-related health impacts, as contrasted to those from other environmental factors, were explored. Knowledge/excessive concerns of 722 health-care personnel were assessed using a 22-item structured questionnaire along with a double-phase qualitative study comprising semistructured interviews and focus groups. Over 75 percent of the participants had high perceived knowledge, whereas accuracy was limited to <20 percent and correctness to 8 percent. An "excessive concern" group was clearly distinguished from a "relaxed attitude" one. Clustering of excessive concerns may derive from personal beliefs, suggesting a risk governance issue for health education policies.
Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens University Medical School, Greece.
Patricia
P
Gerakopoulou
Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens University Medical School, Greece.
Ioannis L
IL
Matsoukis
Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens University Medical School, Greece.
Nick
N
Giagkou
Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens University Medical School, Greece.
Nick
N
Dessypris
Pediatric Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece.
Dimitrios C
DC
Cassimos
Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens University Medical School, Greece epetrid@med.uoa.gr.
Eleni Th
ET
Petridou
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research
clustering of excessive health concern; electromagnetic fields; health personnel; mobile phones; qualitative and quantitative study