Published Paper Details:

Background: The rapid growth in the use of smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops has increased daily exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) among young adults. Growing scientific concerns suggest possible associations between prolonged EMR exposure and inflammatory responses as well as cardiovascular health issues. However, awareness regarding safe usage practices remains limited among college students. Educational interventions, such as handouts, may serve as a cost-effective strategy to improve awareness and promote healthy behavioral practices. Objectives: 1. To assess the existing awareness regarding electromagnetic radiation exposure from smart devices among college students. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of educational handouts in improving awareness regarding EMR exposure and its potential effects on inflammation and cardiovascular health. 3. To determine the association between awareness scores and selected demographic variables. Methods: A quantitative pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. The study was conducted among 100 college students from a selected urban college in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Participants were selected using non-probability convenient sampling. Data were collected using a structured awareness questionnaire. Educational handouts explaining sources, risk factors, potential health effects, and preventive measures related to electromagnetic radiation were distributed after the pre-test. A post-test was conducted after the intervention to measure improvement in awareness. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings indicated that the mean post-test awareness scores were significantly higher than pre-test scores, showing that educational handouts were effective in improving student awareness regarding EMR exposure and related health concerns. Significant associations were observed between awareness levels and selected demographic variables such as duration of smart device use and educational stream. Conclusion: Educational handouts were found to be an effective, simple, and economical intervention for improving awareness about electromagnetic radiation exposure and its potential health effects among college students. Educational strategies should be integrated into college health promotion programs to encourage safer digital habits.