Noise exposure and risk of hypertension: a cross-sectional study

  Abstract   Background: Previous studies have indicated an unspecific correlation between noise   exposure and blood pressure disturbances. Blood pressure disturbances could be caused   by the environmental hazards such as noise exposure. The aim of this study is to analyze   whether there is a relationship between noise exposure and hypertension.   Methods: Atotal sample of 218 workers working in a small workshop aged between 27   and 49 yrs answered the questionnaire in this survey. Blood pressure was measured in the   sitting position after 5 minutes rest. Level of sound intensity in the workplace was measured   by sound level meter (SKC Model CEL-480-440) and human noise exposure level   was measured by audiometric device (MEVOX). The correlation between industrial noise   and blood pressure was extracted. The t-test and Fisher’s exact test was used to compare   the qualitative variables and quantitative variables with normal distribution as being applied   in parametric tests. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used   to compare the magnitude of risk variables.   Results: Sub-populations in this study consisted of 109 workers with noise exposure   more than 85 dB (Case group) and the rest (i.e. 109 workers) with noise exposure less than   85 dB (Control group). High level systolic and diastolic blood pressure was more prevalent   in the case group. Total hearing loss more than 25dB was significantly more prevalent in   the case group (45% of case group have hearing loss). Adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) for the effect   of age, food type and BMI on blood pressure was 3.56 (95% CI: 6.6 – 1.9).   Conclusion: This study showed that high blood pressure (>_140/90 mmHg) was more   prevalent in the case group. This finding persisted after adjustment was made for age, food   type, and BMI. (Odds Ratio 3.56 (95% CI: 6.6 – 1.9)).