The relationship between community noise and arterial hypertension in the population of the city of Niš

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between noise exposure and the incidence of arterial hypertension as well as the relationship of noise annoyance and noise sensitivity with hypertension. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was performed on 911 adult residents of Niš, Serbia, of whom 388 were men (42.6%) and 523 women (57.4%). The criterium for the diagnosis of arterial hypertension was that it was diagnosed by a physician. Based on measurement results of noise, residents, streets were marked as noisy [daily equivalent noise level (Leq) ≥ 55 dB (A) and night Leq ≥ 45 dB (A)] and as quiet [daily equivalent noise level (Leq) ≤ 55 dB (A) and night Leq ≤ 45 dB (A)]. The numerical and verbal noise annoyance scales were used to assess the degree of noise annoyance, while noise sensitivity was measured with the Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale. Results: Arterial hypertension was statistically significantly more frequent in residents in the noisy area compared to residents in the quiet area. After the inclusion of independent variable factors in the logistic regression models, no significant diference was found (p = 0.66, OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.69-1.78). A correlation analysis between noise annoyance wich was measured by verbal and numeric scales and arterial hypertension showed a highly significant positive relation. The same case was between the relationship between subjective sensitivity and arterial hipertension. Conclusion: The introduction of the limit for the community noise level that corresponds to the requirements of highly sensitive persons is a significant measure in preventing the harmful effects of noise on the exposed population.