Combined Effect of Noise and Smoking on the Cognitive Performance of Automotive Industry Workers.

Iraj Alimohammadi,Jamileh Abolaghasemi,Ali Shahbazi,Kazem Rahmani,Fakhradin Ahmadi Kanrash,Hanieh Afrazandehh

doi:10.32598/bcn.10.5.513

Iraj Alimohammadi, Jamileh Abolaghasemi + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.32598/bcn.10.5.513

Copy DOI

Abstract

Introduction:Noise is an environmental stressor and can cause or exacerbate mental disorders, and affect the individual performance in certain conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of noise and smoking on the cognitive performance of the workers in the automotive industry.Methods:This research is a descriptive-analytical study with a cross-sectional design conducted on 300 workers randomly assigned into two groups of noise-exposed and nonexposed. They were examined using computerized tests, including the Tower of London test (TOL), Continuous Performance test (CPT), and Stroop test. The sound pressure levels were measured based on an 8-hour equal-loudness contour in each group according to ISO 9612 standard, using the Testo CEL-815 sound level meter.Results:The study of combined effects of noise and smoking on 12 CPT indicators using the 2-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicate that noise and smoking factors had a significant impact on the mean number of errors and correct responses in the third 50-stimuli stage, the mean number of errors and correct responses in the second 50-stimuli stage with P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.012 and P<0.001 for smoking respectively, but only noise affected the other 7 indicators (P<0.001).Conclusion:Smoking and noise have negative impacts on concentration, attention, and cognitive processing speed, which can lead to an individual’s mistakes and delayed decision making at the workplace.

Highlights

Noise is an environmental stressor and can cause or exacerbate mental disorders, and affect the individual performance in certain conditions
The study of combined effects of noise and smoking on 12 Continuous Performance test (CPT) indicators using the 2-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicate that noise and smoking factors had a significant impact on the mean number of errors and correct responses in the third 50-stimuli stage, the mean number of errors and correct responses in the second 50-stimuli stage with P
● Brain function, cognitive processing speed, and individual performance are significantly lower in smokers compared to non-smokers

Summary

Introduction

Noise is an environmental stressor and can cause or exacerbate mental disorders, and affect the individual performance in certain conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of noise and smoking on the cognitive performance of the workers in the automotive industry. Loud noise may cause physical problems such as hearing loss and increased vulnerability, and lowers cognitive performance (Alimohammadi, Sandrock, & Gohari, 2013; Haines, Stansfeld, Job, Berglund, & Head, 2001; Saremi et al, 2008). Because noise is an environmental stressor and combined with other stressors can cause or exacerbate mental disorders and affects individual’s performance in certain circumstances (Mendl, 1999), the World Health Organization (WHO) considered incidents as one of the indicators of noise-induced performance deficits. Exposure to noise can disrupt homeostasis and mental health (Münzel, Gori, Babisch, & Basner, 2014)

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion