Sound levels and its effect on physiology of low birth weight newborns in a special care newborn unit — a prospective observational study

Abstract Background From quiet environment in uterus, neonates special care newborn units (SCNU) get exposed to a stressful technology-driven environment. Noise level neonatal intensive (NICU) depends on social and psychological realm of people working there. In NICU, an hourly L eq (median equivalent continuous sound level) should be 45 dB, max , 60 10 not exceeding 50 dB (AAP, 2007). SCNUs northeast India has been studied. Aim Create awareness among health workers (HW) regarding noise. Objective To study (a) noise unit (b) its effect physiology. Methodology A prospective observational was conducted teaching hospital for 1 month. After IEC approval, ambient levels (ICU) (levels 2 & 3) kangaroo mother (KMC) area were measured using inVH by Bosch Engineering Solution (android app) 3 shifts. Forty hemodynamically stable low birth weight (level 2: 16, 3: 14, KMC: 10) evaluated heart rate respiratory at same time. Acutely sick excluded. Statistical analysis done SPSS. Results Average am, 5 pm, 11 pm 70.2 (+ 3.78) 71.9 4.21) 54.6 5.38) dB; 66.4 3.71) 64.9 3.88) 63.5 2.52) 55.06 5), 54.66 5.38), 47.7 5.1) ( p = 0.0052). Of included neonates, mean birthweight vs KMC 1.378 0.017) 1.337 0.02) kg 0.1) gestational age 35.45 0.25) weeks 34.8 0.91) 0.2). The rates 154/min 44 cycles/min, 148/min 47 cycles/min; 124/min 40 cycles/min. Conclusion Significant pollution is detected minimal area. Raised with respect may related healthcare caregivers needs urgent improvement so as reduce units.