Evaluation of Noise Pollution in Sari’s Educational Hospitals in 2015-16

Introduction: Noise is one of the most important pollutants in worksites. Hospitals are imposed to noise pollution.  Considering lack of research in Sari educational hospitals and applicability of noise control by engineering controls and education, we proposed this research to evaluate the sound pressure level (SPL) in three educational hospitals of Sari, Iran. Methods: In a descriptive-analytical study, the SPL of three hospitals was evaluated using sound level meter (model; CACELLA CELL-490, made in England). The evaluation was performed in 1.5 meter height, in three shifts, and in three days of the week. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic methods and SPSS software version 24.  For assessing the rate of effective factors, the GEE (Generalized estimating Equation) methods were used. Results: According to the results, the mean SPL was 63.30 ± 7.33 dB and a significant difference was observed between the mean SPL and the standard (35 dB) (p <0.001). Moreover, the highest mean of sound in hospitals was observed in Fatemeh Al-Zahra Hospital. Considering the week days, Saturday and among shifts, the night shift had the highest mean SPL. Conclusion: The findings showed that SPL was higher than the Iranian National Construction Regulations and World Health Organization (WHO) standards in all evaluated places. So, the noise control programs should be considered seriously.