Subjective sensitivity to noise and non-auditory health effects among adults in Niš, Serbia.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine subjective sensitivity to noise of the citizens of Niš and its impact on their non-auditory health effects. This study was designed as a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among 908 adult residents of Niš, Serbia, of whom 387 were men (42.6%) and 521 women (57.4%). Streets with day Leq ≥ 55 dB(A) and night Leq ≥ 45 dB(A) were regarded as noisy and those with day Leq ≤ 55 dB(A) and night Leq ≤ 45 dB(A) were regarded as quiet, in accordance with WHO recommendations. Noise sensitivity was measured with the Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of noise sensitivity on non-auditory health effects. The study showed that the values of the Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale were significantly higher for those surveyed in the noisy zone. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant impact of noise sensitivity on night-sleep duration (p = 0.04), subjective assessment of sleep quality (p < 0.01) and daily rest disruption (p < 0.001). Based on the study results, it can be confirmed that noise sensitivity has an important role in causing non-auditory health effects among adults.