The exposure to traffic noise and markers of obesity in Slovakia

Abstract

Introduction. The study aims to examine the association between exposure to traffic noise and markers of obesity in university students. Methods. Equivalent noise levels were assessed for both the control and exposed groups in Slovakian capital Bratislava by hand-held sound level analyzer. The LDEN was estimated from the Bratislava agglomeration strategic noise map. Height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were assessed by standard methods, BMI and WHR were calculated. Percentage of body fat was assessed by caliper, NIR (Near Infrared radiation) and BIA (Bioloelectrical Impendance Analysis). The sample comprised of 484 university students, 25.6% males and 74,4% females, mean age 22.9±2 years, 188 (38.8%) living in the dormitory exposed to road traffic noise and 296 (61.2%) living in the control one. The students did not differ significantly by gender and life style but they differed by age (females in the control group were older) and length of stay in an apartment (more in the control place). Results. Mean equivalent noise levels in the exposed area were Leq,24 h=67±2 dB(A) and in the control area Leq,24 h=58.7±6 dB(A), the indicators were LDEN=66±2 dB vs LDEN=56±4 dB ( p<0.05). Students from the exposed group are more annoyed by road traffic noise (ORMH=4.1 (95 % CI 3.2-5.2), neighbors and entertainment facilities. Road traffic noise disturbs sleep and causes awakening (ORMH=3.6 (95 % CI 2.9-4.5). Percentage of body fat has the tendency to be positively associated with the traffic noise exposure, but significantly only with the NIR method (beta = 1.320, p=0.02, r2=0.14), after adjustment to gender, perceived psychosocial stress and other behavioral, psychosocial and nutritional factors presented as the Sum of risk score points. Conclusions. Limitation of the study is the young age, short duration of stay and the relatively small sample. Future research is necessary to overcome these limitations and extent its inferences to the general population.