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Berg-Beckhoff G, Bask M, Jervelund SS, Guldager JD, Quickfall A, Rabiee Khan F, Oddsson G, van der Wel KA, Sarasjärvi KK, Olafsdottir S, Buffel V, Skalická V, Van de Velde S. Political stringency, infection rates, and higher education students' adherence to government measures in the Nordic countries and the UK during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. Prev Med 2022; 164:107245. [PMID: 36075491 PMCID: PMC9444587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Understanding predictors of adherence to governmental measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 is fundamental to guide health communication. This study examined whether political stringency and infection rates during the first wave of the pandemic were associated with higher education students' adherence to COVID-19 government measures in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden) and the United Kingdom. Both individual- and country-level data were used in present study. An international cross-sectional subsample (n = 10,345) of higher-education students was conducted in May-June 2020 to collect individual-level information on socio-demographics, study information, living arrangements, health behaviors, stress, and COVID-19-related concerns, including adherence to government measures. Country-level data on political stringency from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker and national infection rates were added to individual-level data. Multiple linear regression analyses stratified by country were conducted. Around 66% of students reported adhering to government measures, with the highest adherence in the UK (73%) followed by Iceland (72%), Denmark (69%), Norway (67%), Finland (64%) and Sweden (49%). Main predictors for higher adherence were older age, being female and being worried about getting infected with COVID-19 (individual-level), an increase in number of days since lockdown, political stringency, and information about COVID-19 mortality rates (country-level). However, incidence rate was an inconsistent predictor, which may be explained by imperfect data quality during the onset of the pandemic. We conclude that shorter lockdown periods and political stringency are associated with adherence to government measures among higher education students at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Berg-Beckhoff
- Unit for Health Promotion Research, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark; University hospital of the University of Southern Denmark, Hospital South West Jutland, Denmark.
| | - M Bask
- Uppsala University, Department of Sociology, Box 624, 751 26 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - S S Jervelund
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Section for Health Services Research, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - J D Guldager
- Unit for Health Promotion Research, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark; Department of Physiotherapy, University College South Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - A Quickfall
- Primary and Early Years Initial Teacher Education, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, UK
| | - F Rabiee Khan
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, Education & life sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - G Oddsson
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Akureyri, Borgir v/Norðurslóð, Akureyri 600, Iceland
| | - K A van der Wel
- Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - K K Sarasjärvi
- University of Helsinki, Doctoral Programme in Population Health, P.O. Box 4, Yliopistonkatu 3, 00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Olafsdottir
- Department of Sociology, University of Iceland, Oddi v/Sturlugötu, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - V Buffel
- Centre for Population, Family, and Health, Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - V Skalická
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - S Van de Velde
- Centre for Population, Family, and Health, Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Remmen LN, Christiansen DH, Herttua K, Berg-Beckhoff G. Risk of first musculoskeletal disorder in Danish occupational fishermen – a register-based study. Eur J Public Health 2022. [PMCID: PMC9593497 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac130.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational fishery increase risk of musculoskeletal disorders due to a combination of heavy workloads and strenuous settings. Scarce and inconsistent knowledge exists on work-related risk factors despite high prevalence is evident. The aim was to determine work-related risk factors for the first diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders in Danish occupational fishermen. Methods This study was a register-based cohort study. We extracted data the from Nationwide Danish registers on work affiliation and health data for all persons registered as occupational fishermen between 1994 and 2017. Job titles were retrieved from the Danish Occupational Cohort with eXposure (DOC*X). Time-to-event analysis using cox regression with age as timescale was applied. Results Among 15.739 fishermen, forty percent (n = 6.218 cases) experienced first musculoskeletal disorder during 82.2 million person-years of follow-up. Adjusted gender-stratified analysis showed that male fishermen, who worked less than 5 years and more than 15 years had the highest significant risks of MSD (HR 2.40 (95%CI: 2.06, 2.80), HR: 2.40 (95%CI: 1.76, 2.35)) respectively, compared to working more than 20 years. In males, more years in workforce, a captain education and working part time significantly protected against first MSD, while shifting trades above three times increased risk. Women had estimates with greater uncertainties due to their small numbers in the industry. Conclusions A high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders was found in Danish occupational fishermen between 1994-2017. Findings suggest a bimodal relationship between occupational fishermen seniority level and their risk of musculoskeletal disorder, where highest risk was seen at five years in trade, afterwards from lower estimate slowly increasing with accumulating years until highest occupational seniority, compared to more than twenty years in trade. Continued development actions of preventive measures are suggested. Key messages
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Affiliation(s)
- LN Remmen
- Research Unit for Health Promotion, University of Southern Denmark , Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - DH Christiansen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Regional Hospital West Jutland , Herning, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University , Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - K Herttua
- Center for Maritime Health and Society, University of Southern Demark , Esbejrg, Denmark
| | - G Berg-Beckhoff
- Research Unit for Health Promotion, University of Southern Denmark , Esbjerg, Denmark
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Berg-Beckhoff G, Bask M, Jervelund SS, Quickfall A, Rabiee Khan F, Oddsson G, van der Wel KA, Sarasjärvi KK, Skalická V, Van de Velde S. Does political stringency change students’ adherence to governmental recommendations? Eur J Public Health 2022. [PMCID: PMC9594629 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac131.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Knowing predictors for adherence to governmental recommendations is fundamental to guiding health communication in pandemic situations. This study investigated whether political stringency was associated with students’ adherence to the COVID-19 governmental measures in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden) and the United Kingdom (UK). Methods We used data from a cross-sectional online survey, from university students in all Nordic countries and the UK (N = 10.345), in May 2020. Data on socio-demography, study information, living arrangements, health behaviors, stress, knowledge, and concern about COVID-19 infection supplemented with measures on political stringency from the Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker were utilised. Multiple linear regression analysis methods were applied. Results Around 66% reported that they followed governmental measures. Our model explained only 10% of the variation of adherence. The main predictors for adherence were older age, female sex, and being worried about the COVID-19 infection. More days since lockdown and political stringency were also associated with adherence to governmental recommendations in all countries. Sweden had the lowest willingness to adhere to governmental recommendations even though the strength of the association between political stringency and adherence was similar to other countries. Conclusions Political stringency and congruent communication are important in ensuring adherence to governmental recommendations during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key messages • Political stringency is important to ensure adherence to governmental recommendations. • Congruent communication is important to ensure adherence to governmental recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Berg-Beckhoff
- University of Southern Denmark Unit for Health Promotion, , Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - M Bask
- Department of Sociology, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden
| | - SS Jervelund
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Quickfall
- Primary and Early Years Initial Teacher Education, Bishop Grosseteste University , Lincoln, UK
| | - F Rabiee Khan
- School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University , Birmingham, UK
| | - G Oddsson
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Akureyri , Akureyri, Iceland
| | - KA van der Wel
- Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University , Oslo, Norway
| | - KK Sarasjärvi
- Doctoral Programme in Population Health, University of Helsinki , Helsinki, Finland
| | - V Skalická
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology , Trondheim, Norway
| | - S Van de Velde
- Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp , Antwerp, Belgium
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Berg-Beckhoff G, Stock C, Bloomfield K. Education, experienced harm from others’ drinking and personal alcohol consumption. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Risky alcohol consumption is associated not only with harm to the drinker, but also to those in the drinker's environment. Recent research has begun to examine the extent of such harm from others' drinking. In this study, we examined whether education functions as an effect modifier on the association between experienced harm from others' drinking (EHFOD) and risky alcohol use.
Methods
Data from the 2011 Danish national alcohol and drug survey (n = 5133) were linked with data from Statistics Denmark. Survey response rate was 64%. Data on various alcohol use indicators were collected via internet questionnaires or telephone interviews. EHFOD was based on 8 indicators of harm from drunken people (e.g. being insulted, property damaged, being physically harmed). We grouped EHFOD into hassles, harassment or harm/damage. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between EHFOD and own drinking behavior, stratified by sex and education. Covariates included age, employment status, rural residence, income and civil status.
Results
One-year prevalence of EHFOD was 50%. We found a positive and significant relationship between own alcohol consumption and harassment as well as harm/damage. Effect modification of education was significant for harassment. Odds ratios for risky drinking behavior and harassment was 5.50 (95%CI: 3.49-8.65) in low educational group among men, and 1.42 (95%CI: 0.98-2.07) in the high educational group among men.
Conclusions
Our study confirms an overall positive relationship between EHFOD and drinking behavior but varies by type of EHFOD. Furthermore, education modified this effect, but only for harassment. More research is necessary to better understand how drinking patterns diverge between low and high educational groups, and how this differentially affects risk for alcohol-related harms including the experience of harm from others' drinking.
Key messages
One-year prevalence of experienced harm from others’ drinking is high (50%) in Denmark. There is positive relationship between EHFOD and drinking behavior but it varies by type of EHFOD; education is an effect modifier.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Stock
- University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
- Department for Health and Nursing Sciences, Charité – Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - K Bloomfield
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, USA
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Rasmussen BM, Waldorff FB, Berg-Beckhoff G, Andersen PT. Self-efficacy among nursing assistants in Denmark after dementia specific education. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The care needs for people with dementia (PWD) constantly needs adjustment which makes it difficult for nursing assistants (NA) to accommodate optimal care to PWD. Dementia education to NAs may increase staff skills, self-efficacy and care quality. The study aims to investigate NA's experience of self-efficacy and how it changes during dementia education.
Methods
NAs received dementia-specific education focusing on behavior management through a person-centered approach. A phenomenological hermeneutic study using semi-structured interviews with 18 NA from two municipalities in Southern Denmark. Interviews lasted approx. one hour and were conducted at worksites. Analyses were made with a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. Concept maps were constructed during the process to follow changes in understanding.
Results
Dementia education increases the feeling of self-efficacy for NAs through acknowledgement, trial-and-error and social inspiration by peers and educators. NAs experience dementia education differently depending on whether NAs have a structural or citizen-centered focus to their work. NAs with a citizen-centered focus experience greater impact and that higher self-efficacy increases motivation for action and providing good care. They also more frequently experience successful situations due to a more analytic approach to daily challenges. NAs with structural-centered focus identified several structural barriers to establish new routines and therefore did not experience the same increase in self-efficacy.
Conclusions
Higher feeling of self-efficacy among NAs after dementia education seems to produce more motivation and engagement in daily care. NAs with a citizen-centered focus in their work, experience a higher level of self-efficacy and are frequently confirmed in this belief.
Key messages
Increasing needs for continuing dementia education. Nursing assistants with citizen-centered focus experience greater impact of dementia education.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Rasmussen
- Unit of General Practice, Department of Public health, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - F B Waldorff
- Unit of General Practice, Department of Public health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Berg-Beckhoff
- Unit of General Practice, Department of Public health, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - P T Andersen
- Unit of General Practice, Department of Public health, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
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Dreier JW, Berg-Beckhoff G, Andersen AMN, Susser E, Nordentoft M, Strandberg-Larsen K. Fever and infections during pregnancy and psychosis-like experiences in the offspring at age 11. A prospective study within the Danish National Birth Cohort. Psychol Med 2018; 48:426-436. [PMID: 28735583 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291717001805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal exposures to fever and infections in pregnancy have been linked to subsequent psychiatric morbidity in the child. This study examined whether fever and common infections in pregnancy were associated with psychosis-like experiences (PLEs) in the child. METHODS A longitudinal study of 46 184 children who participated in the 11-year follow-up of the Danish National Birth Cohort was conducted. Pregnant women were enrolled between 1996 and 2002 and information on fever, genitourinary infections, respiratory tract infection, and influenza-like illness during pregnancy was prospectively collected in two interviews during pregnancy. PLEs were assessed using the seven-item Adolescent Psychotic-Like Symptom Screener in a web-based questionnaire completed by the children themselves at age 11. RESULTS PLEs were reported among 11% of the children. Multinomial logistic regression models with probability weights to adjust for potential selection bias due to attrition suggested that maternal fever, genitourinary infections and influenza-like illness were associated with a weak to moderate increased risk of subclinical psychosis-like symptoms in the offspring, whereas respiratory tract infections were not. No clear pattern was observed between the strengths of the associations and the timing of exposure, or the type of psychosis-like symptom. CONCLUSIONS In this study, maternal exposures to fevers and common infections in pregnancy were generally associated with a subtle excess risk of PLEs in the child. A more pronounced association was found for influenza-like illness under an a priori definition, leaving open the possibility that certain kinds of infections may constitute important risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Dreier
- Department of Public Health,University of Southern Denmark,Esbjerg,Denmark
| | - G Berg-Beckhoff
- Department of Public Health,University of Southern Denmark,Esbjerg,Denmark
| | - A M N Andersen
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health,University of Copenhagen,Copenhagen,Denmark
| | - E Susser
- Department of Epidemiology,Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University,New York
| | - M Nordentoft
- Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital,Denmark
| | - K Strandberg-Larsen
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health,University of Copenhagen,Copenhagen,Denmark
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Berg-Beckhoff G, Seid AK, Stock C, Bloomfield K. Is there an association between home-tobacco outlet proximity and smoking status in Denmark? Eur J Public Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx186.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G Berg-Beckhoff
- Unit for Health Promotion Research, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - AK Seid
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Stock
- Unit for Health Promotion Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - K Bloomfield
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Berg-Beckhoff G, Nielsen G, Larsen EL. Systematic review: Association of occupational information communication technology and stress. Eur J Public Health 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw164.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Thapa S, Berg-Beckhoff G, Lauritzen L. Methyl mercury exposure in children cognitive development due to prenatal intake of fish. Eur J Public Health 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw170.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Dreier JW, Andersen AMN, Hvolby A, Garne E, Andersen PK, Berg-Beckhoff G. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children following in utero fever exposure. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv175.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Berg-Beckhoff G, Wiedemann P, Ádám B, Schüz J, Breum Ølgaard K, Tanggaard Andersen P, Ndugwa Kabwama S, Nielsen J. Risk definitions - risk research is done in multiple disciplines; but is it multidisciplinary? Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv176.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Exner AK, Gerold H, Breckenkamp J, Bahmer J, Klemke R, Berg-Beckhoff G, Horschke A, Razum O. [Data protection in rehabilitation research]. REHABILITATION 2013; 53:258-67. [PMID: 24363217 DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1357115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Data protection is regulated by legislation and has to be adhered to by scientists, too. This overview shows where aspects of data protection have to be considered in rehabilitation research. Important legal sources are the code of social law X, the German Federal Data Protection Act and the data protection acts of the German states. Specific recommendations about patient information sheet and written informed consent are given for research based on interviews with study participants. Furthermore, operations such as collecting, processing, using, storing, publishing and archiving of personal data are explained, taking into account the requirements of data protection. A practical example (URL: www.thieme-connect.de/ejournals/toc/rehabilitation) shows how to separate personal data and research data using the services of an external data custodian.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Exner
- Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften, AG3 - Epidemiologie & International Public Health, Universität Bielefeld
| | - H Gerold
- Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund, Referat für Datenschutz, Berlin
| | - J Breckenkamp
- Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften, AG3 - Epidemiologie & International Public Health, Universität Bielefeld
| | - J Bahmer
- Institut für Rehabilitationsforschung Norderney, Abteilung Sozialmedizin - Deutsche Rentenversicherung Westfalen, Münster
| | - R Klemke
- Centre for Learning Science and Technology, Open Universiteit Nederland, Heerlen, Niederlande
| | - G Berg-Beckhoff
- Unit for Health Promotion Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Dänemark
| | - A Horschke
- Institut für Rehabilitationsforschung Norderney, Abteilung Sozialmedizin - Deutsche Rentenversicherung Westfalen, Münster
| | - O Razum
- Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften, AG3 - Epidemiologie & International Public Health, Universität Bielefeld
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Breckenkamp J, Blettner M, Schüz J, Bornkessel C, Schmiedel S, Schlehofer B, Berg-Beckhoff G. Residential characteristics and radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposures from bedroom measurements in Germany. Radiat Environ Biophys 2012; 51:85-92. [PMID: 21964673 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-011-0389-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to assess total exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in bedrooms and the contribution of different radioservices (FM radio, analogue TV and DVB-T, TETRA, GSM900 downlink, GSM1800 downlink, UMTS downlink, DECT, and wireless LAN and blue tooth) to the total exposure. Additional aims were to describe the proportion of measuring values above the detection limit of the dosimeters and to characterize the differences in exposure patterns associated with self-reported residential characteristics. Exposure to RF sources in bedrooms was measured using Antennessa(®) EME Spy 120 dosimeters in 1,348 households in Germany; 280 measures were available for each frequency band per household. Mean electrical field strengths and power flux densities were calculated. Power flux densities allow the calculation of proportions of different radioservices on total exposure. Exposure was often below the detection limit (electrical field strength: 0.05 V/m) of the dosimeter. Total exposure varied, depending on residential characteristics (urban vs. rural areas and floor of a building the measurement took place). Major sources of exposure were cordless phones (DECT standard) and wireless LAN/blue tooth contributing about 82% of total exposure (20.5 μW/m(2)). Exposure to RF-EMF is ubiquitous, but exposure levels are-if at all measurable-very low and far below the ICNIRP's exposure reference levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Breckenkamp
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bielefeld University, POB 10 01 31, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany.
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Berg-Beckhoff G, Kowall B, Breckenkamp J. General practitioners' knowledge on and risk percetion of electromagnetic fields – a cross-sectional study in Germany. Gesundheitswesen 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1266394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Bornkessel C, Blettner M, Breckenkamp J, Berg-Beckhoff G. Quality control for exposure assessment in epidemiological studies. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2010; 140:287-293. [PMID: 20308051 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncq112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In the framework of an epidemiological study, dosemeters were used for the assessment of radio frequency electromagnetic field exposure. To check the correct dosemeter's performance in terms of consistency of recorded field values over the entire study period, a quality control strategy was developed. In this paper, the concept of quality control and its results is described. From the 20 dosemeters used, 19 were very stable and reproducible, with deviations of a maximum of +/-1 dB compared with their initial state. One device was found to be faulty and its measurement data had to be excluded from the analysis. As a result of continuous quality control procedures, the confidence in the measurements obtained during the field work was strengthened significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bornkessel
- Test Centre EMC, IMST GmbH, Carl-Friedrich-Gauss-St. 2, D-47475 Kamp-Lintfort, Germany.
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Samkange-Zeeb F, Schlehofer B, Schüz J, Schlaefer K, Berg-Beckhoff G, Wahrendorf J, Blettner M. Occupation and risk of glioma, meningioma and acoustic neuroma: results from a German case-control study (interphone study group, Germany). Cancer Epidemiol 2010; 34:55-61. [PMID: 20061201 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2009.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Revised: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 12/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several epidemiological studies have investigated the association between occupation and brain tumour risk, but results have been inconclusive. We investigated the association between six occupational categories defined a priori: chemical, metal, agricultural, construction, electrical/electronic and transport, and the risk of glioma, meningioma and acoustic neuroma. METHODS In a population-based case-control study involving a total of 844 cases and 1688 controls conducted from 2000 to 2003, detailed information on life-long job histories was collected during personal interviews and used to create job calendars for each participant. Job title, job activity, job number, and the starting and ending dates of the activity were recorded for all activities with duration of at least 1 year. Reported occupational activities were coded according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations 1988 (ISCO 88). For the analyses we focused on six a priori defined occupational sectors, namely chemical, metal, agricultural, construction, electrical/electronic and transport. Multiple conditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Most of the observed odds ratios were close to 1.0 for ever having worked in the six occupational sectors and risk of glioma, meningioma and acoustic neuroma. Sub-group analyses according to duration of employment resulted in two elevated odds ratios with confidence intervals excluding unity. CONCLUSIONS We did not observe an increased risk of glioma or meningioma for occupations in the agricultural, construction, transport, chemical, electrical/electronic and metal sectors. The number of 'significant' odds ratios is consistent with an overall 'null-effect'.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Samkange-Zeeb
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Strasse 69, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Vrijheid M, Mann S, Vecchia P, Wiart J, Taki M, Ardoino L, Armstrong BK, Auvinen A, Bédard D, Berg-Beckhoff G, Brown J, Chetrit A, Collatz-Christensen H, Combalot E, Cook A, Deltour I, Feychting M, Giles GG, Hepworth SJ, Hours M, Iavarone I, Johansen C, Krewski D, Kurttio P, Lagorio S, Lönn S, McBride M, Montestrucq L, Parslow RC, Sadetzki S, Schüz J, Tynes T, Woodward A, Cardis E. Determinants of mobile phone output power in a multinational study: implications for exposure assessment. Occup Environ Med 2009; 66:664-71. [PMID: 19465409 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2008.043380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The output power of a mobile phone is directly related to its radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field strength, and may theoretically vary substantially in different networks and phone use circumstances due to power control technologies. To improve indices of RF exposure for epidemiological studies, we assessed determinants of mobile phone output power in a multinational study. METHODS More than 500 volunteers in 12 countries used Global System for Mobile communications software-modified phones (GSM SMPs) for approximately 1 month each. The SMPs recorded date, time, and duration of each call, and the frequency band and output power at fixed sampling intervals throughout each call. Questionnaires provided information on the typical circumstances of an individual's phone use. Linear regression models were used to analyse the influence of possible explanatory variables on the average output power and the percentage call time at maximum power for each call. RESULTS Measurements of over 60,000 phone calls showed that the average output power was approximately 50% of the maximum, and that output power varied by a factor of up to 2 to 3 between study centres and network operators. Maximum power was used during a considerable proportion of call time (39% on average). Output power decreased with increasing call duration, but showed little variation in relation to reported frequency of use while in a moving vehicle or inside buildings. Higher output powers for rural compared with urban use of the SMP were observed principally in Sweden where the study covered very sparsely populated areas. CONCLUSIONS Average power levels are substantially higher than the minimum levels theoretically achievable in GSM networks. Exposure indices could be improved by accounting for average power levels of different telecommunications systems. There appears to be little value in gathering information on circumstances of phone use other than use in very sparsely populated regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vrijheid
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France.
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Berg-Beckhoff G, Blettner M, Kowall B, Breckenkamp J, Schlehofer B, Schmiedel S, Bornkessel C, Reis U, Potthoff P, Schüz J. Mobile phone base stations and adverse health effects: phase 2 of a cross-sectional study with measured radio frequency electromagnetic fields. Occup Environ Med 2009; 66:124-30. [PMID: 19151228 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2008.039834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the cross-sectional study was to test the hypothesis that exposure to continuous low-level radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) emitted from mobile phone base stations was related to various health disturbances. METHODS For the investigation people living mainly in urban regions were selected from a nationwide study in 2006. In total, 3526 persons responded to a questionnaire (response rate 85%). For the exposure assessment a dosimeter measuring different RF-EMF frequencies was used. Participants answered a postal questionnaire on how mobile phone base stations affected their health and they gave information on sleep disturbances, headaches, health complaints and mental and physical health using standardised health questionnaires. Information on stress was also collected. Multiple linear regression models were used with health outcomes as dependent variables (n = 1326). RESULTS For the five health scores used, no differences in their medians were observed for exposed versus non-exposed participants. People who attributed adverse health effects to mobile phone base stations reported significantly more sleep disturbances and health complaints, but they did not report more headaches or less mental and physical health. Individuals concerned about mobile phone base stations did not have different well-being scores compared with those who were not concerned. CONCLUSIONS In this large population-based study, measured RF-EMFs emitted from mobile phone base stations were not associated with adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Berg-Beckhoff
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Bielefeld, PO Box 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany.
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Blettner M, Schlehofer B, Breckenkamp J, Kowall B, Schmiedel S, Reis U, Potthoff P, Schüz J, Berg-Beckhoff G. Mobile phone base stations and adverse health effects: phase 1 of a population-based, cross-sectional study in Germany. Occup Environ Med 2008; 66:118-23. [PMID: 19017702 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2007.037721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this first phase of a cross-sectional study from Germany was to investigate whether proximity of residence to mobile phone base stations as well as risk perception is associated with health complaints. METHODS The researchers conducted a population-based, multi-phase, cross-sectional study within the context of a large panel survey regularly carried out by a private research institute in Germany. In the initial phase, reported on in this paper, 30,047 persons from a total of 51,444 who took part in the nationwide survey also answered questions on how mobile phone base stations affected their health. A list of 38 health complaints was used. A multiple linear regression model was used to identify predictors of health complaints including proximity of residence to mobile phone base stations and risk perception. RESULTS Of the 30,047 participants (response rate 58.6%), 18.7% of participants were concerned about adverse health effects of mobile phone base stations, while an additional 10.3% attributed their personal adverse health effects to the exposure from them. Participants who were concerned about or attributed adverse health effects to mobile phone base stations and those living in the vicinity of a mobile phone base station (500 m) reported slightly more health complaints than others. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of the German population is concerned about adverse health effects caused by exposure from mobile phone base stations. The observed slightly higher prevalence of health complaints near base stations can not however be fully explained by attributions or concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Blettner
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, D-55101 Mainz, Germany.
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Breckenkamp J, Neitzke HP, Bornkessel C, Berg-Beckhoff G. Applicability of an exposure model for the determination of emissions from mobile phone base stations. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2008; 131:474-81. [PMID: 18676976 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncn201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Applicability of a model to estimate radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) strength in households from mobile phone base stations was evaluated with technical data of mobile phone base stations available from the German Net Agency, and dosimetric measurements, performed in an epidemiological study. Estimated exposure and exposure measured with dosemeters in 1322 participating households were compared. For that purpose, the upper 10th percentiles of both outcomes were defined as the 'higher exposed' groups. To assess the agreement of the defined 'higher' exposed groups, kappa coefficient, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. The present results show only a weak agreement of calculations and measurements (kappa values between -0.03 and 0.28, sensitivity between 7.1 and 34.6). Only in some of the sub-analyses, a higher agreement was found, e.g. when measured instead of interpolated geo-coordinates were used to calculate the distance between households and base stations, which is one important parameter in modelling exposure. During the development of the exposure model, more precise input data were available for its internal validation, which yielded kappa values between 0.41 and 0.68 and sensitivity between 55 and 76 for different types of housing areas. Contrary to this, the calculation of exposure-on the basis of the available imprecise data from the epidemiological study-is associated with a relatively high degree of uncertainty. Thus, the model can only be applied in epidemiological studies, when the uncertainty of the input data is considerably reduced. Otherwise, the use of dosemeters to determine the exposure from RF-EMF in epidemiological studies is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Breckenkamp
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, Bielefeld University, POB 10 01 31, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany.
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