Ten-year results of leisure noise exposure among adolescents and young adults–findings from the OHRKAN cohort study

Abstract

Objective To observe total leisure noise (TLN) exposure and to investigate determinants of risky TLN exposure among adolescents and young adults over a ten-year observation period. Design OHRKAN is a longitudinal study with five equidistantly distributed questionnaires (waves) over ten years. Risky TLN exposure was defined as exceeding ≥85dB(A) averaged over 40h per week. To identify determinants of risky TLN exposure longitudinally, generalised estimating equations were applied. Study Sample A subgroup (n = 661; mean age 25.6 years in the fifth wave; 58.4% female) of the closed cohort study OHRKAN was analysed. Included participants took part in the fifth wave prior to the study break due to COVID-19. Results Analysis of participants’ data from all five waves showed that risky TLN exposure was highest during the second wave (72.0%), when participants were aged 17–19 years, and thereafter steadily declined. Among young adults, attendance at discotheques and private parties, especially, caused very high exposure. Determinants of risky TLN exposure were wave time point, male gender, a higher level of education, and smoking. Conclusions As TLN exposure is highest among older adolescents, prevention programs should target younger teenagers and be tailored to the identified risk groups. The risk from private parties should be addressed.