Noise Pollution, Psychiatric Symptoms and Quality of Life: Noise Problem in the East Region of Turkey

Abstract

Aim: As to clinical examinations, predisposition to aggression and aggressive behavior among drivers are very high in Turkey. For this reason, direct correlation between the noise pollution and general psychological symptoms with quality of life in public transport drivers were investigated in this survey. Material and Methods: Bus drivers of varying bus brands (F, O and P which has different noise levels) were subjected in this study. SCL-90-R and SF-36 questionnaire were used to assess the presence and severity of psychiatric symptoms and quality of life. Sound level meter (Smart Sensor AR844) was used for noise pollution measurements (dB(A)) within the buses and city main streets. Results: According to the measurements; F, O and P brand buses average 65.16 dB(A), 70.86 dB(A) and 75.33 dB(A) noise produces respectively. Especially, P brand mini-bus drivers were found to have worked under continuously high noise (75.33 dB(A), average 11.22±3.86 hours daily). According to psychiatric SCL-90-R and SF-36 assessments, observed psychiatric symptoms were more pronounced between the high noise exposed group than other groups (P<0.001). Discussion: In this survey, we observed that Psychologies and quality of life of bus drivers were affected by the noise pollution and noise pollution had cause to serious psychological symptoms on drivers such as anxiety, depression, hostility, etc., and noise had negative effects over the quality of life, particularly, when drivers were exposed for longer working periods and above certain values Key Words: Noise Pollution; Work Place Safety; Psychological Symptoms; Quality of Life; Drivers.