The Relationship between the Environmental Noise Intensity, Feeling and Annoyance with the Shiftwork in the Emergency Department

Noise pollution is a serious issue in hospitals, especially in emergency departments where high noise levels from emergency patients and treatments can negatively affect medical personnel and patients. This study aimed to measure noise levels during day and night shifts in three major hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences (Imam Khomeini, Shariati, and Sina hospitals) and investigate the level of annoyance experienced by medical staff.

In this cross-sectional studyTES-1351B sound level meter was used to measure sound pressure levels and the measurement stations were determined according to ISO 9612 standard. A general questionnaire was used to determine demographic characteristics. Also, by a valid self-reporting questionnaire, the feeling about environmental noise intensity and noise annoyance was measured. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software using ANOVA and t-test.

The average sound pressure level in the emergency departments of the studied hospitals was 67.940±7.70 dB. Significant differences were found between morning and evening shift noise levels. (p-value=0.001). The highest average sound pressure level occurred during the evening shift with an average of 72.382±4.35 db. Also, there was a significant difference between the feeling about environmental noise intensity and noise annoyance in Imam Khomeini and Sinai hospitals respectively, (p-value=0.037) (p-value=0.011).

The study concludes that noise pollution in the emergency departments of these hospitals needs attention. Implementing administrative and technical-engineering measures to reduce noise pollution is essential to enhance the well-being of medical staff and patients and ensure a more satisfactory healthcare environment.