Journal of North Khorasan

Abstract Background & Objectives:Hospitals as health care environment are affected by noise pollution sources that could have negative effects, in terms of health and comfort, on patients and staff. In addition to employees need to a quiet environment for the desired service having attention to comfort of patients during their hospital stay for the recovery is very important. This study aimed to investigate noise pollution levels in intensive care units and emergency wards of educational hospitals of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences. Method and Materials:This cross-sectional study was carried out in intensive care units and emergency wards of Imam Ali and Imam Reza hospitals . The sound pressure level was measured by a sound meter DB-100 model of in two normal days and holidays on morning, noon and night. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software and presented with t-test and ANOVA. Results: The results showed that the level of noise in the emergency wards of Imam Ali and Imam Reza are respectively 54 and 52 dB. The level of noise in intensive care units of Imam Ali hospital and Imam Reza hospital were respectively 57 and 54 dB. There was no significant difference between the measured values of sound pressure level in days (Friday and Saturday) (P = 0.387) and time of measurement (morning, afternoon and evening) (P = 0.726). Conclusion: The standard value sound pressure level in hospital during day and evening were 35-40 dB and 30-40 dB respectively. Thus, based on these results, sound volume in intensive care units and emergency wards are higher than standard. Finally pursuing engineering and management contrivance to reduce noise pollution is recommended.