Association of sound pressure levels and frequency components of road traffic noise with prevalent depression in Taichung, Taiwan

Abstract

The World Health Organization has reported that the prevalence of mental illness is 4% in the global population. Epidemiological studies have reported a relationship between road traffic noise exposure and depression, but the association between noise frequency components and depression remains unclear. This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between road traffic noise exposure and its frequency components with prevalent depression. A total of 3,200 residents living in Taichung who participated in the Taiwan Biobank between 2010 and 2017, were included as study participants. We used land-use regression models to evaluate individual annual average values of A-weighted equivalent sound level over 24 h (Leq,24h) and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) using the geographic information system. Multiple logistic regression was applied to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for depression after adjusting for potential risk factors and PM2.5. An interquartile range increase in Leq,24h at full frequency (4.7 dBA), 1000 Hz (5.2 dB), and 2000 Hz (4.8 dB) was significantly associated with an elevated risk for depression with ORs of 1.62 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03, 2.55), 1.58 (95% CI: 1.05, 2.37), and 1.58 (95% CI:1.03, 2.43), respectively, by controlling for PM2.5. The high-exposure group (≥ the median of noise levels) at full frequency, 500 Hz, and 2000 Hz had an increased risk for depression with ORs of 1.87 (95% CI: 1.03, 3.39), 1.94 (95% CI: 1.03, 3.65), and 1.86 (95% CI: 1.03, 3.37), respectively, compared with the low-exposure group (< the median of noise levels) after adjustment for PM2.5. Road traffic noise exposure may be associated with an increased prevalence of depression, particularly at 500 to 2000 Hz.