Evaluation of Noise Exposure and the Relationship between Job Stress and Sleep Disturbance in Workers of an Iranian Construction Industry

Abstract

Introduction: Noise is considered as a risk factor for a wide range of industrial environments, including construction industry. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of job stress caused by noise exposure with sleep disturbance.

Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was carried out among 134 workers of an Iranian construction industry. To assess the individuals' noise exposure in accordance with the ISO 9612: 2009, the eight-hour occupational exposure level was measured. To assess the occupational stress, the Parker Job Stress Questionnaire and Insomnia Severity Index were applied. Epworth Sleepiness Scale was also used to assess the sleep disturbance. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson correlation test, and multivariate regression in SPSS version 23.

Results: The results of Pearson correlation test and multivariate regression showed that noise can cause sleep disturbance by causing occupational stress in workers. Based on the results of this study, noise exposure, occupational stress, and sleep disturbance have a direct and positive relationship. In other words, increased noise exposure leads to occupational stress and sleep disturbance.

Conclusion: Assessment of the noise exposure in workers of a construction industry showed that noise was a very important factor in the psychological problems of workers in this industry. In addition to the direct effects of noise on sleep disturbance, it can indirectly exacerbate the sleep disturbances.