Shendell D.G., Ana G.R.E.E., Brown G.E., Sridhar M.K.C.
College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-3995, United States; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health University of Medicine an
Shendell, D.G., Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-3995, United States, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States; Ana, G.R.E.E., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Brown, G.E., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Sridhar, M.K.C., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Background. Most schools in Ibadan, Nigeria, are located near major roads (mobile line sources). We conducted an initial assessment of noise levels and adverse noise-related health and learning effects. Methods. For this descriptive, cross-sectional study, four schools were selected randomly from eight participating in overall project. We administered 200 questionnaires, 50 per school, assessing health and learning-related outcomes. Noise levels (A-weighted decibels, dBA) were measured with calibrated sound level meters. Traffic density was assessed for school with the highest measured dBA. Observational checklists assessed noise control parameters and building physical attributes. Results. Short-term, cross-sectional school-day noise levels ranged 68.3-84.7dBA. Over 60 of respondents reported that vehicular traffic was major source of noise, and over 70 complained being disturbed by noise. Three schools reported tiredness, and one school lack of concentration, as the most prevalent noise-related health problems. Conclusion. Secondary school occupants in Ibadan, Nigeria were potentially affected by exposure to noise from mobile line sources. Copyright © 2009 Godson R. E. E. Ana et al.
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