Study of general health among older adult in ardakan city and its relation with traffic noise pollution at the residence Summary

Ehsan  Janati; Mohammad Ali  Morowati Sharifabad; Reza  Jafari Noudushan; Mohamad Javad   Zare Sakhvidi; Sara  Jambarsang

doi:10.18502/tbj.v20i4.7816

Ehsan Janati M.Sc. Student of Aging Health, Department of Aging Health, Faculty of Health, Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Mohammad Ali Morowati Sharifabad Professor of Aging Health Research Center, Department of Aging Health, Faculty of Health, Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Reza Jafari Noudushan Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Mohamad Javad Zare Sakhvidi Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Sara Jambarsang Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tbj.v20i4.7816

Keywords: elderly, general health GHQ-28, traffic noise pollution, noise annoyance

Abstract

Introduction: The body's response to noise pollution is very similar to the way the body responds to stress, which can lead to poor health over time. In this regard, this study was conducted to determine the general health of the elderly and its relationship with traffic noise pollution in Ardakan.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 1399. Participants were 200 elderly people in Ardakan and were included in the study by random sampling. Data were collected through sound measurement with SVANTEK device, General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28). After completing the questionnaires and measurements, the collected data were entered into SPSS-19 software and descriptive statistics as well as analytical statistics including: Chi-square, regression and analysis of variance were used to analyze it.

Results: The overall average sound level equivalent in decibels at all measuring stations was within the standard range. There was a significant relationship between noise annoyance and the dimensions of "anxiety symptoms and sleep disorders" and "depressive symptoms" of general health (p <0.001).

Conclusion: People with more voice annoyance have more anxiety, sleep disorders and depression. Existence of noise pollution levels in the allowable or standard level can lead to the observation of no significant relationship between traffic noise pollution levels and general health. Reducing anxiety, depression and sleep disorders in the elderly is possible with interventions to reduce voice irritation in them.