Survey noise exposure and fasting and their effect on salivary cortisol on hospital staff

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most important risk factors in workplace is noise pollution and it affects the quality of human life. Especially these effects on the hospital environment are more impressive because these workplaces should be calm. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of noise exposure and fasting on saliva cortisol levels at two hospitals staff. Method: This study included 75 participants of two hospital worker.A calibrated noise level meter (Cel- 231, UK) was used to measurement noise levels in two hospitals parts. Also, Saliva cortisol levels assessed in two different situations: fasting and feeding. Descriptive statistics, paired sample t-test and regression analysis were used as statistical tools of this study with P<0.05. Results: our result showed that sound pressure levels (mean ± SD) in Amiralmomenei hospital and Abozar hospital were 75.3±6 and 76.9±5, respectively. Salivary cortisol levels in samples with normal feeding and fasting showed significant difference (P<0.05).Also, comparison between salivary cortisol levels in without noise exposure and noise exposure in fasting time showed significant difference (P<0.05). Salivary cortisol levels in workers in two hospitals were different (P<0.05). C