Noise & Health最新文献

Background: Accelerated urbanization has exacerbated global noise issues, particularly on university campuses, affecting students' sleep and study efficiency. Previous studies mainly used interviews or surveys to investigate noise annoyance, which may lead to data distortion influenced by researchers.

Materials and methods: From January 3, 2020 to March 18, 2022, we collected 623 complaint emails containing noise-related keywords from the student complaint mailbox of a university in southern China. A total of 401 valid complaint emails ultimately included for thematic and quantitative analysis to better understand the effect of noise on college students' lives and health.

Results: The results indicate that construction noise is the most common source of noise complaints, followed by residential noise and machinery/equipment noise. Students are most significantly disturbed by noise during the night and morning, which severely affects their sleep quality and study efficiency. The impact of noise on sleep was found to be significantly associated with its effect on mental health (P = 0.002) and study efficiency (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that campus noise affects students' sleep quality, study efficiency, and mental health. It is recommended that universities strengthen campus noise control and ensure that on-campus construction activities do not interfere with students' study and rest.

Background: Unstable angina pectoris (UAP) is prevalent among the elderly, and it is often treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study assessed the effect of five-element music therapy (FEMT) combined with relaxation therapy (RT) on recovery outcomes in elderly patients with UAP after PCI.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 287 elderly patients with UAP (age > 60 years) treated by PCI at Wenzhou Yining Geriatric Hospital between April 2021 and April 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: the RT group (n = 132) and the FEMT combined with RT (FEMRT) group (n = 155). Baseline characteristics, therapeutic effects, anxiety level (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale [SAS]), quality of life (Seattle Angina Questionnaire [SAQ]), echocardiographic parameters, and serum biomarkers were evaluated.

Results: The FEMRT group exhibited significant improvements in therapeutic effects compared with the RT group (P = 0.032), with notable increases in patients experiencing significant therapeutic effects (38.06% vs. 27.27%). Post-intervention, the SAS score decreased more in the FEMRT group than in the RT group (P = 0.006). SAQ results indicated enhanced quality of life and treatment satisfaction in the FEMRT group (P < 0.01). Both groups exhibited improvements in echocardiographic parameters (including stroke volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and left ventricular end-systolic diameter) and serum biomarkers (including tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide), but the differences between the groups were not significant.

Conclusion: The integration of FEMRT significantly enhanced recovery post-PCI in elderly patients with UAP, as evidenced by improved clinical and quality of life outcomes.

Background: Operating room (OR) noise commonly originates from drills, suction devices, and intercom operations, which may interfere with the staff's emotional regulation. This study investigates the influence of OR noise on occupational burnout, perceived stress, and life satisfaction of OR nurses.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 80 OR nurses from Wuxi Ninth People's Hospital. The average OR noise level from January 2022 to December 2024 was 50.47 ± 14.52 dB. Nurses were categorized into a low-noise group (n = 37, noise exposure level ≤50 dB) and a high-noise group (n = 43, noise exposure level >50 dB) based on their average noise exposure levels. Occupational burnout level was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), perceived stress levels using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and life satisfaction using the Life Satisfaction Scale (SWLS).

Results: Compared with those in the low-noise group, nurses in the high-noise group exhibited significantly higher MBI-HSS scores on the emotional exhaustion (P = 0.019) and depersonalization (P = 0.001) subscales, and significantly higher PSS scores on value strain (P = 0.048), aspiration strain (P = 0.014), deprivation strain (P = 0.020), and coping strain (P = 0.021) dimensions. The high-noise group reported lower SWLS scores compared with the low-noise group (χ2 = 16.681, P = 0.011), suggesting that noise can reduce nurses' life satisfaction.

Conclusion: OR noise was correlated with heightened occupational burnout, stress, and reduced life satisfaction among nurses. Future research could explore the potential benefits of reducing OR noise levels for improving nurses' job satisfaction and indirectly enhancing the quality of patient care.

Objective: With the increasing prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders among college students, effective treatment methods are in urgent need. This study aimed to retrospectively assess the effect of white noise combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on anxiety and depression symptoms and related disorders in college students.

Methods: A total of 110 eligible undergraduates with anxiety and depression disorders from Henan Medical College (identified from September 2022 to September 2024) were included in this retrospective analysis. The participants who received only CBT were classified into a CBT group (n = 50), and those who received white noise combined with CBT were categorized as the combined group (n = 60). The self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) score, coping style questionnaire (CSQ), and the Chinese version of the Beck scale for suicide ideation (BSI-CV) were used to assess the students before and after the 8-week treatment.

Results: After the treatment, the combined group had lower SAS and SDS scores, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The combined group also scored lower in the seven components and total score of PSQI. In the CSQ, the combined group had significantly higher problem-solving and help-seeking scores and lower self-blame and withdrawal scores than the CBT group (P < 0.05). The BSI-CV scores (assessing suicidal ideation and suicidal tendency) in the combined group were also significantly lower than those in the CBT group (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Compared with CBT alone, white noise combined with CBT can effectively reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, improve sleep quality and coping styles, and reduce suicide ideation in college students with anxiety and depression disorders.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and noise control on noise-induced stress, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and neonatal cortisol regulation.

Methods: A retrospective study of 182 mother-infant pairs admitted between January 2023 and January 2025 divided into three groups based on perinatal care protocols: Standard group (n = 62) receiving routine care with no noise control, Noise Control group (n = 55) with noise control, and Noise Control + SSC group (n = 65) with both noise control and SSC protocol. Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT), neonatal cortisol levels, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and breastfeeding initiation time were compared.

Results: Cortisol levels in both neonates and mothers were higher in the Standard group compared to the Noise Control and Noise Control + SSC groups at 24 and 72 h (P < 0.05). The Noise Control + SSC group exhibited lower cortisol levels than the Noise Control group at both timepoints (P < 0.05). Neonatal HR was higher, and SpO₂ was lower in the Standard group compared to the other two groups (P < 0.05). BSES-SF and IBFAT scores were significantly lower in the Standard group (P < 0.05), with longer breastfeeding initiation time and lower exclusive breastfeeding rates at 72h (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Noise control and SSC remarkedly reduced noise-induced stress biomarkers, improved short-term breastfeeding self-efficacy, and accelerated lactation initiation. These findings support SSC as a low-cost intervention to buffer perinatal environmental stressors in clinical settings.

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of Five-Element Music Therapy combined with Family-Participatory Psychological Care in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 140 patients with PCOS-related infertility who underwent IVF-ET treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University between January 2020 and January 2024. The patients were divided into three groups according to the type of care received: group A (n = 50), which received conventional care; group B (n = 45), which received conventional care plus Family-Participatory Psychological Care; and group C (n = 45), which received conventional care, Family-Participatory Psychological Care, and Five-Element Music Therapy. Outcomes assessed included baseline clinical characteristics, IVF-ET-related indicators, psychological status [Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (Zung-SAS), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (Zung-SDS)], quality of life [Modified Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (MPCOSQ)], perceived disease burden [Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ)], family function [Chinese version of the Family Assessment Device (FAD)], clinical pregnancy success rate, and nursing satisfaction.

Results: Following successful embryo transfer, patients in groups B and C exhibited significantly lower scores on the Zung-SAS, Zung-SDS, FAD, and BIPQ than those in group A, and group C showed the most pronounced improvements (P < 0.05). Similarly, MPCOSQ scores were significantly higher in groups B and C than in group A, and group C demonstrated superior outcomes (P < 0.05). Nursing satisfaction was significantly greater in groups B and C, with group C achieving the highest levels of satisfaction (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Integrating Five-Element Music Therapy with Family-Participatory Psychological Care during IVF-ET treatment for patients with PCOS-related infertility alleviates negative emotional states, enhances family function and quality of life, reduces perceived disease burden, and improves nursing satisfaction.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between postoperative noise exposure and anxiety/depression in patients with haemophilic osteoarthropathy undergoing hip/knee replacement.

Methods: This retrospective study included 58 patients with haemophilic osteoarthropathy who underwent hip/knee replacement in four tertiary hospitals between 2020 and 2025. Data were collected from clinical records. Ward noise levels (daytime/nighttime) were measured on postoperative days 1-3 by using a sound level metre. Patients were divided into high-noise (≥45 dB, n = 30) and low-noise (<45 dB, n = 28) groups. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS) were assessed. Pearson's correlation and t-tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The high-noise group had significantly higher mean noise levels (52.89 ± 6.24 dB vs. 44.57 ± 5.25 dB, P < 0.001). The SAS (51.41 ± 6.37 vs. 48.84 ± 5.23, P = 0.011) and SDS scores (54.16 ± 7.48 vs. 50.31 ± 5.25, P = 0.028) were higher in the high-noise group. Noise levels were positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.682, P < 0.001) and depression (r = 0.659, P < 0.001). The high-noise group had poorer sleep quality (PSQI: 7.21 ± 2.35 vs. 5.19 ± 1.89, P < 0.001) and higher pain scores (VAS: 5.86 ± 1.54 vs. 4.23 ± 1.27, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Postoperative noise exposure is significantly associated with increased anxiety, depression, poor sleep and pain in patients with haemophiliac osteoarthropathy. Reducing ward noise may enhance their psychological well-being and postoperative recovery.

Objective: High noise levels in operating rooms are a common problem in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to review the current study systematically to clarify the effects of operating room noise on medical staff and patients.

Methods: We searched the studies on operating room noise published in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from 2014 to 2024. The study types included randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, and cohort studies. Study languages were not limited. Two researchers screened the study in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracted relevant data for quality evaluation.

Results: Ten studies were included in this systematic review. They involved 1485 subjects, comprising 888 patients and 597 healthcare workers. In the included studies, the operating room noise level generally exceeded 50 dB, and the recorded highest average noise level was 72.4 dB. Five studies investigated the effects of noise on the psychological state of operating room staff, involving 581 participants, and primarily reported that noise exposure led to adverse psychological effects, such as decreased attention and increased anxiety. Three studies, encompassing 114 participants, examined the physiological effects of noise on operating room staff and found that noise contributed to fatigue, headaches, and increased cortisol secretion. Additionally, five studies explored the influence of noise on surgical patients. Of these studies, four studies documented negative outcomes in patients, including postoperative infections and anxiety, whereas one demonstrated that low-level noise stimulation could beneficially improve postoperative delirium and pain in patients.

Conclusion: Noise has a potential negative effect on staff and patients, underscoring the importance of implementing noise control measures in the operating room.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of music-assisted progressive muscle relaxation on patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on the medical records of 124 patients with LAGC who received CCRT in Jiaozhou Central Hospital from December 2021 to November 2023. These patients were divided into the conventional care group (n = 65) and the music relaxation group (n = 59) on the basis of different nursing methods. Negative emotions (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]), sleep quality (Self-Rating Scale of Sleep [SRSS]), and quality of life (Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-Chinese Cancer Chemotherapy Patients) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.

Results: After treatment, the HADS and SRSS scores of the music relaxation group were significantly lower than those of the conventional care group (P < 0.001), and the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-Chinese Cancer Chemotherapy Patients scores of the music relaxation group were significantly higher than those of the conventional care group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Music-assisted progressive muscle relaxation can improve the psychological state of patients with LAGC undergoing concurrent radiotherapy, promote sleep quality and help improve quality of life.

Objective: Sound therapy (ST) is a well-known treatment option for tinnitus patients. However, patient perspectives on this option remain scarce. This study investigated the perspectives of first-time sound generator users on ST for chronic tinnitus, focusing on their perceptions of the sound generators and the effects on tinnitus.

Methods: The subjects were 29 adult patients with chronic tinnitus who received ST using sound generators for the first time. In the 3-week ST trial, In the 3-week ST trial, hearing aids with built-in sound generators built idelivered broadband noise at a low and individualized sound level. Semistructured interviews were conducted 1 month after the ST trial. Using an interpretive description approach, themes were captured qualitatively to describe patients' subjective experience of the ST.

Results: After performing inductive coding on the dataset, five main themes emerged: (1) effects while wearing the generators; (2) effects after removing the generators; (3) perception of the generated noise; (4) untargeted effects; and (5) purchasing sound generators. Each theme was further subdivided into one to three subthemes.

Conclusions: The study highlighted uncertainties regarding the overall perceived benefits of short-term ST, with results influenced by initial noise hypersensitivity, hearing loss, and noise appreciation. Future research should examine the benefits of ST after controlling for these variables and compare the effects of different types of tailored sound on each dimension of tinnitus. Understanding how noise physiologically modulates tinnitus both during and after exposure is crucial to better counsel patients on what to expect.