Epidemiological study (observational study)

Prevalence and psychiatric comorbidity of self-reported electromagnetic field sensitivity in Taiwan: A population-based study epidem.

By: Tseng MMC, Lin YP, Cheng TJ

Published in: J Formos Med Assoc 2011; 110 (10): 634-641

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Taiwan to estimate the prevalence of self-reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity and to identify the associated factors for reporting electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

electromagnetic hypersensitivity

Type of risk estimation:

prevalence

Exposure

- 50/60 Hz
- EMF general
- power transmission line
- mobile communications
- mobile phone
- mobile phone base station

Assessment

questionnaire: origins of hypersensitivity from a list of 12 predetermined EMF sources

Population

Group:
- men
Age: ≥ 18 years
Characteristics: adults
Observation period: August 2007
Study location: Taiwan

Study size

Type	Value
Total	10,800
Eligible	5,643
Participants	1,251
Evaluable	1,197

Statistical analysis method:

logistic regression
Chi-square test

Results (acc. to author)

The prevalence of people with self-reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity in Taiwan was 13.3 %. Following factors were associated with higher risk of reporting hypersensitivity: a very poor self-reported health status, unable to work, and psychiatric morbidity.
The authors conclude that the prevalence of self-reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity in the general population of Taiwan is higher than the prevalence reported in western countries. People with psychiatric morbidity are more likely to report electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

Limitations (acc. to author)

The authors note that the cross-sectional design precludes the causal inference of all identified factors and electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

Study funded by

National Science Council, Taiwan

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