Investigation of Health Perception and Awareness Levels of the Use of Technological Devices Causing Electromagnetic Pollution in Healthy Adults

Aim: This study was planned to compare the levels of awareness of health perception and conscious use of technological devices that cause electromagnetic pollution in healthy individuals of different age groups. Method: A total of 470 people were voluntarily participated in this study, Group 1 (aged 18-25, n=156), Group 2 (aged 26-45, n=158) and Group 3 (aged 46 and over, n=156). Demographic data of the participants and frequency of use of technological devices were recorded. The health perception status of the participants was evaluated with the Health Perception Scale and their awareness of the conscious use of technological devices was evaluated with the Awareness Scale for the Conscious Use of Technological Devices that Cause Electromagnetic Pollution. Results: Mean age of Group 1 was 22.21±1.81year, Group 2 was 33.86±5.49 year and Group 3 was 55.10±8.79 years. When the groups were compared in terms of health perception, a statistically significant difference was found in terms of the sub-parameters of health perception, control center (p=0.000), certainty (p=0.000), importance of health (p=0.005) and total health perception scores (p=0.001). When the groups were compared with the Awareness Scale on the Conscious Use of Technological Devices that Cause Electromagnetic Pollution, the sub-parameters of the scale included mobile phone and laptop use awareness (p=0.023), base station awareness (p=0.004), wireless internet use awareness (p=0.000) and A statistically significant difference was found in terms of total awareness score (p=0.003). Conclusion: In our study, the health perceptions and awareness levels regarding devices causing electromagnetic pollution were examined across different age groups. The results showed that individuals aged 46 and above place greater importance on their health, while the 18-25 age group has higher levels of health control and awareness, suggesting that they perceive themselves as healthier.