Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Cell Phone Radiation Health Hazards Among Jami University Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61438/sarj.v1i2.143Keywords:
Radiation, Awareness, Health, Practices, StudentsAbstract
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice) regarding cell phone radiation health hazards among students at Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan, to identify gaps and promote safer usage practices.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 students selected through stratified random sampling during September and October 2024. A structured KAP questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cell phone radiation risks. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.27.
Results: The mean knowledge score was 74.03, with moderate awareness of general risks but limited understanding of technical concepts such as Specific Absorption Rate values (36.6% awareness). Attitudes reflected significant concern, with most students associating cell phone radiation with sleep disorders (64.9%), hearing impairments (65.4%), and brain tumors (56.0%). However, practices were inconsistent; 62.0% minimized call durations, yet 70.3% carried phones in pockets, and 54.3% slept with phones nearby. Poor compliance with precautionary measures, such as using hands-free devices (50% rarely used), highlighted behavioral gaps.
Conclusion: While Jami University students exhibited moderate knowledge and proactive attitudes toward cell phone radiation risks, their practices revealed significant gaps. Enhanced educational initiatives targeting technical knowledge and practical safety behaviors are essential. Integrating radiation safety into curricula and conducting awareness campaigns can bridge these gaps, fostering informed and consistent adherence to safer practices.
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