Sleep Quality in Adult Population Exposed to Aircraft Noise in Fontibon Bogota in 2012

Abstract

Bogota´s International Airport is located within the city and its planned expansion is posing the inhabitants of Fontibon and Engativa localities in imminent risk of adverse health effects. Mitigation strategies for noise and vibrations have not had a positive impact on residents health. Negative neuropsicological and auditory effects of aircraft noise in these places have been well documented, especially in children. Yet, aircraft noise impact on sleep quality in exposed residents is unknown. The aim of the study was to know the prevalence of sleep disorders and its associated factors in exposed residents of Fontibon´s locality according to the distance from airport operations. Cross sectional design. A simple size of 205 people from 18 to 65 was selected by simple random sampling. Area of study was divided in 2 groups of exposure (high and low) according to the distance to the airport. Sleep quality was assessed through a validated instruments: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Descriptive statistics and non parametric U Mann Whitney test were performed. 60% of residents reported poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5), with PSQI mean of 7,19 (SD ± 3,931). In each specific domain the population is affected as follows: subjective sleep quality (27%), sleep latency (39%), sleep duration (33%), habitual sleep efficiency (37%), sleep disturbances (30%), daytime dysfunction (40%) and use of sleep medication (5%). 28% reported daytime somnolence according to ESS scale (ESS >10). There were no differences of sleep quality according to distance to airport (p=0.61), suggesting a widespread impact of noise. Overall, residents exposed to airport operations have very low sleep quality with its subsequent impact on health and quality of life. Bogota´s International Airport expansion is a major public health concern and Colombia´s government should consider resettlement mechanisms for population affected.