Structural equation models of road traffic and aircraft noise annoyance in Vietnam

Abstract

Socio-acoustic surveys on the community response to transportation noise were carried out in five Vietnamese cities from 2005 to 2013. Approximately 9900 responses were obtained from these surveys. Variations in exposureâ–“response curves were found among different regions and noise sources. Various degrees of annoyance resulting from the same noise exposure implied the effects of non-acoustic factors, such as urban lifestyles and attitudes towards noise sources. To assess these effects, structural equation models were developed in this study by linking questionnaire items from the socio-acoustic surveys on road traffic and aircraft noise annoyance. The sample sizes were 3783 and 1973 for road traffic and aircraft noise surveys, respectively; therefore, they were sufficiently large to estimate and compare the models among cities and between two types of noise source. The final model included three latent factors: sensitivity, activity interference, and satisfaction with the living environment. Sensitivity to noise, vibration, and heat were determinants of personal sensitivity. Activity interference was measured by awakening during sleep, rest, and listening disturbances. The quietness of living areas, preference for living areas, and comfort during the dry season were used to determine satisfaction with the living environment. A good model fit was observed, indicating that sensitivity and satisfaction with the living environment were the main modifiers of noise annoyance in Vietnam. The findings of this study suggest measures for reducing noise annoyance among urban residents in Vietnam.