A Study of General Health among Older Adults in Ardakan and Its Relation with Traffic Noise Pollution at the Residence Summary

The body's response to noise pollution is very similar to the way the body responds to stress, which can lead to poor health over time. In this regard, this study was conducted to determine the general health of the elderly and its relationship with traffic noise pollution in Ardakan.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 1399. Participants were 200 elderly people in Ardakan chosen by random sampling. Data were collected through sound measurement with SVANTEK device, General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28). After completing the questionnaires and measurements, the collected data were entered into SPSS-19 software and descriptive statistics as well as analytical statistics such as Chi-square, regression and analysis of variance were used to analyze them.

The overall average sound level equivalent in decibels at all measuring stations was within the standard range. There was a significant relationship between noise annoyance, the dimensions of "anxiety symptoms  ,sleep disorders" ,and "depressive symptoms" of general health (p <0.001).

People with more noise annoyance experience more anxiety, sleep disorders and depression. Existence of noise pollution levels in the allowable or standard level can lead to the observation of no significant relationship between traffic noise pollution levels and general health. Reducing anxiety, depression and sleep disorders in the elderly is possible with interventions to reduce  noise annoyance in them.