Perceived Noise Pollution and Self-Reported Health Status among Adult Population of Bangladesh

Abstract

Despite the public health concern, there is a dearth of research regarding perceived noise pollution and noise-related health status in Bangladesh. This study was carried out to evaluate the noise-related health status among Bangladesh’s adult population. 1386 adult Bangladeshis participated in an online survey. A linear regression model was used to evaluate overall noise-related health status determinants. 91% of the survey population reported noisy environments in their neighborhood, with the majority reporting two types (34%) of noise pollution sources. Road vehicles (38%) and construction activities (24%) were identified as significant source of noise pollution. The Bangladeshis are primarily exposed to noise during school and office hours. Socio-demographic information, perceived noise pollution and individual views towards noise pollution were examined as determinants of noise-related health problems. Females were found to be more impacted than males, and young people also expressed concern about noise pollution’s influence. Residents in mixed-unit buildings exhibited a significant level of noise-related health problems such as deafness, insomnia, heart disease, headache, stress, poor concentration, production loss, fatigue, irritability, heartburn, indigestion, ulcers, and high blood pressure. Noise pollution from road vehicles and industry has been shown to have a negative effect on people’s health. Individuals affected by noise were interested in noise reduction efforts. The findings of this research may aid in the improvement of international, national, and local noise control efforts.

Assessment of Potential Health Risk Due to Traffic-Induced Sound Pollution: A Study in Khulna City, Bangladesh

“…The findings of this study revealed that younger respondents reported the possibility of being affected by sound pollution-related health problems (conversation problems and irregular heartbeat problems) whereas aged respondents were less likely to be affected. Another study found similar findings that young people were highly annoyed by traffic-induced noise and more likely to experience related problems (Rahman et al, 2022). Additionally, another study showed that the aged person reported a variety of problems that were not reported by the respondents of other age groups (Carrier et al, 2016;Singh and Davar, 2017), which is also similar to this study.…”

“…This study found that different types of vehicles on the roadway are the main cause of sound pollution in the study area. An earlier study showed that motor vehicles are the main source of high levels of noise (Aftab et al, 2007;Carrier et al, 2016;Clark and Paunovic, 2018;Hoque et al, 2013;Rahman et al, 2022;Sultana et al, 2020). The uncontrolled traffic across the metropolitan area is responsible for creating sound pollution in Dhaka city (Bint and Rahman, 2011).…”

“…Sound pollution on city streets can be caused mainly by the hydraulic horns of vehicles employed by buses, trucks, and scooters on the crowded urban roads which are dangerous for citizens (Sperling, 2018). Sound pollution can be often caused also by construction activities (Rahman et al, 2022), industrial activities, and miking on the crowded streets (Uddin et al, 2018).…”

Relation between Noise Pollution and Life Satisfaction Based on the 2019 Chinese Social Survey

“…For example, noise pollution can cause hearing loss [ 2 ] that may impair the quality of life. Due to the existence of noise pollution, depression, anxiety, stress, and other conditions may also be exacerbated [ 10 , 11 ], thus increasing dissatisfaction with life. Therefore, we propose Hypothesis 1.…”

“…Noise pollution has become the second most damaging environmental factor to human health after air pollution [ 7 , 8 ]. Noise pollution can cause sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, aggravation of personal troubles, damage to interpersonal relationships, and other factors related to well-being and life satisfaction [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Undoubtedly, noise pollution threatens people’s health and quality of life.…”