THE INFLUENCE OF DAYTIME ROAD-TRAFFIC NOISE ON BLOOD PRESSURE OF SCHOOL CHILDREN: PP.19.250

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of daytime road-traffic daytime noise around schools on blood pressure of school children. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 825 school children (405 boys and 420 girls) aged 7–11 years, who attended 8 primary schools in Belgrade. School was regarded noisy if equivalent sound level (Leq) exceeded 60 dB(A) during day and quiet if Leq<60 dB(A). Children's blood pressure was measured in the morning, in the school setting, using mercury sphygmomanometer. In addition, child's weight and height were reported for calculation of body mass index-for age-percentiles. Arterial hypertension was diagnosed if either systolic or diastolic pressure exceeded 95th percentile for age, gender and body height. Results: In total, 652 children (79%) attended noisy schools, and 173 (21%) attended quiet schools. Children from noisy schools had higher systolic pressure (101.4 ± 8.6 mmHg) than children from quiet schools (99.5 ± 9.4 mmHg) (p = 0.012). Similarly, children from noisy schools had higher diastolic pressure (60.0 ± 7.8 mmHg) than children from quiet schools (58.2 ± 7.6 mmHg) (p = 0.007). Arterial hypertension was reported in 23 children from noisy schools, and in 6 children from quiet schools (p = 0.969). Multiple linear regression, after allowing for gender, age, BMI-for-age percentile and family history of hypertension showed significant positive correlation between noise exposure at school and children's systolic pressure (B = 0.566, t = 2.681; p < 0.001), and diastolic pressure (B = 0.110, t = 1.994; p < 0.05). Conclusion: High level daytime road-traffic noise [Leq>60 dB(A)] around schools is associated with higher systolic and diastolic pressure in school children.