Structural equation model of road traffic noise annoyance in Vietnam

The exposure-response relationships for road traffic noise annoyance in Vietnam were proposed according to over 4700 responses obtained in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Hue and Thai Nguyen. However, the variation of the exposure-response curves found among the five cities implied that discrepancies could occur between different geographic regions like the north and the south of Vietnam. To assess the effects of acoustic and non-acoustic factors on road traffic noise annoyance in Vietnam, structural equation models were developed by linking the questionnaire items of the socio-acoustic surveys on road traffic noise annoyance conducted in the five cities. The sample sizes were 1174, 1403, 432, 592, and 633 to estimate the models for Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Hue and Thai Nguyen, respectively. The final model included three latent factors: activity interference; sensitivity; and satisfaction with living environment. Sensitivity to noise, vibration and heat are determinants of personal sensitivity. Activity interference was measured by awakening in the sleep, rest and listening disturbance. Evaluations on quietness of living areas, preference to the living areas and comfort in the dry season are loaded in satisfaction with living environment. The model provided good model fit and indicated that sensitivity and satisfaction with living environment were the main modifiers of road traffic noise annoyance in Vietnam