Clustering of excess health concerns for electromagnetic fields among health personnel: A quantitative and qualitative approach. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gerakopoulou, Patricia; Matsoukis, Ioannis L; Giagkou, Nick; Dessypris, Nick; Cassimos, Dimitrios C; Petridou, Eleni Th
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 20:Number 8(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1060
• Page End: 1072
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: clustering of excessive health concern -- electromagnetic fields -- health personnel -- mobile phones -- qualitative and quantitative study; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105313507301
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

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.