The Survey of Noise and Light Effects on Body Posture During the Study in Male Dormitory of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Noise and light can affect on body posture during the study. With regard to the importance of the mentioned factors and their effect on body posture, measurement and assessment of these parameters seems essential in the study rooms. This study aimed to measure and assess these factors and their relationship with student's postural status. In this cross-sectional (descriptive- analytical) study, 167 male and single students in dormitories of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) were selected. Measurement of noise and lighting was done according to the standards of the Iran National Committee on Occupational Health. The RULA method was used to assess the student's posture. In this study, light (433.88 ± 114.83 lux) and sound pressure levels (49.59 ± 4.64 dB) were obtained. The results of assessment of physical exposure to musculoskeletal risks by RULA technique showed that in 34.7% of the studied subjects, the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was in Action Level (AC) 2, 41.3% in AC 3 and 24% in AC 4. Results showed no significant correlation between the sound the student's posture, but significant correlation was observed between light and the student's postural status. Posture of students during the study has correlation with light. Therefore, improved lightening can improve student posture and consequently a remarkable help to increase the students comfort.