Home environment and noise disturbance in a national sample of multi-family buildings in Sweden-associations with medical symptoms

Abstract

Background Poor acoustic conditions at home can have negative health impact. The aim was to investigate home environment factors and medical symptoms associated with noise disturbance. Methods All adults (≥18 y) registered in selected apartments in Sweden were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey including medical questions and personal factors. Totally 5775 adults participated (response rate 46%). Information on home environment was obtained through an indoor environment questionnaire. Two-level logistic regression models (individual, municipality) were performed to estimate associations. Results Totally 11.9% reported noise disturbance in general at home. Noise disturbance from voice/radio/TV/music/similar sounds from neighbours (13.2%), scraping sound/footsteps/thumping from neighbours (16.5%) and road traffic (16.1%) were common. Younger age and smoking were related to more noise disturbance and more medical symptoms. Noise disturbance was related to tiredness, headache and difficulty concentrating (OR = 1.70–8.19). Renting the apartment (OR = 2.53) and living above ground floor (OR = 1.37) were related to more noise disturbance in general. Living in newer buildings (constructed from 1986 to 2005) was related to less noise disturbance in general (OR = 0.40–0.59). A warmer climate (OR = 1.95), higher municipality population density (OR = 1.24), a longer living time (OR = 1.34), construction year (1961–1975) (OR = 2.42), renting (OR = 1.80–2.32), living above ground floor (OR = 1.45) and having a bathroom fan (OR = 1.84) were associated with increased noise disturbance from neighbours. Factors associated with increased noise disturbance from installations or ventilation/fans/heat pumps included a warmer climate, higher municipality population density, construction year (1961–1995), renting and any mechanical ventilation. Higher municipality population density, construction year (especially 1961–1985) and renting were associated with more noise disturbance from traffic (OR = 1.77–3.92). Renting the apartment (OR = 1.73) and living above ground floor (OR = 1.60) were related to more severe traffic noise disturbances. Noise disturbance in general was partly a mediator of the effects of old buildings, renting the apartment and lack of mechanical ventilation on medical symptoms (% of total effect mediated by noise disturbance: 19–44.8%). Conclusions Noise disturbance can be associated medical symptoms. Younger age, smoking, a warmer climate, higher municipality population density and different building factors (e.g. renting the apartment, construction period 1961–1985) can be associated with noise disturbance.

Patterns of Perceived Indoor Environment in Danish Homes

“…The threshold of perceived annoyances would probably vary by individual, e.g., women have a lower threshold for detection of odor and thermal discomfort, while older people have a higher threshold [ 14 , 26 ]. Likewise, smokers have been reported to have a higher odor threshold [ 14 , 26 ], and young people report annoyances from noise more often compared to older people [ 27 ].…”

Influence of residential performance on residents' health status (part II): Nationwide survey of environmental performance of apartment buildings and residents' health status

“…1,2 Regarding airtightness, apartment buildings are more airtight than detached houses, resulting in increased condensation, mold, and dampness. 20 The Swedish BETSI (Building, Energy use, Technical Status, and Indoor environment) study [3][4][5][6][7] surveyed 5775 adults aged 18 years and older living in apartments (4369 households) and found that these factors (dampness, mold, and condensation), especially in rental apartments, increase the risk of rhinitis, asthma, and respiratory infections 3 as well as the risk of eye, nose, throat, and skin symptoms, headaches, and fatigue. 6 In addition, because the residential environment of apartments varies depending on the location of units and number of floors in a building, there are several issues that do not exist in detached houses.…”

“…Large-scale surveys have provided important insights into the relationship between housing and the health status of residents in countries such as New Zealand, Sweden, and Japan. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The World Health Organization (WHO) published the WHO Housing and Health Guidelines 12 in 2018, recommending improvements in the living environment based on these previous studies. The guidelines state that improved housing can reduce disease, improve quality of life, and contribute to the achievement of many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).…”

“…Housing is important living infrastructure and the maintenance of a good residential environment is extremely important for maintaining and improving residents' health. Large‐scale surveys have provided important insights into the relationship between housing and the health status of residents in countries such as New Zealand, Sweden, and Japan 1‐11 . The World Health Organization (WHO) published the WHO Housing and Health Guidelines 12 in 2018, recommending improvements in the living environment based on these previous studies.…”

Correction: Home environment and noise disturbance in a national sample of multi-family buildings in Sweden-associations with medical symptoms

“…In the original [ 1 ] publication of this paper figures 2 and 4 were swapped, the captions and citations were correct. The article has been updated with the correct figures.…”