Polluted noise in Alsalam teaching Hospital in Mosul City

الملخص EN

Background and objective: Hospitals, medical suites and aged care facilities are all subject to noise pollution.

High levels of noise in hospitals may interfere with patient care services, the doctor-patient relationship and medical education activities.

The objective was to measure the noise pollution in Alsalam Teaching Hospital in Mosul City and determine the time difference of noise during day and night, furthermore, workdays and weekend days. Material and methods: the noise level is measured in patients' bedroom of medical ward Alsalam Teaching Hospital, by using digital sound level meter (DSLM).

The times of measurements of the noise level were at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

A total number of 97 readings have been taken in patients' bedroom of medical ward. The parameters that selected in decibel (dB) were the equivalent sound level (Leq), the maximum sound level (Lmax) and the minimum sound level (Lmin).

In addition, there is a comparison of noise levels between workdays (Sunday to Thursday) and weekend days (Friday and Saturday).

There is a trial for identifying the possible source of (toxic or harmful) noise in Alsalam Teaching Hospital. Results: the mean Leq sound levels in Alsalam Teaching Hospital was 69.2 dB, while the Lmax sound level was 76.7 dB and the Lmin sound level was 56.4 dB.

There is a higher reading in Leq sound level during daytime than nighttime, however it is not significant.

A comparison between workdays and weekend days by the Leq sound level reveals 69.6 dB and 67.3 dB, by Lmax sound level reveal 77.2 dB and 74.6 dB, all these readings shows that there were no significant differences (P ≥ 0.5).

While by Lmin sound levels, they were 56.7 dB and 54.7 dB (P = 0.039).

The visitors contribute the major source of noise (68.04%) followed by teaching process (21.6%) then conversation (7.21%). Conclusion: It was concluded that in the Alsalam Teaching Hospital, by all types of noise level measures exceed the WHO and EPA acceptable limits on hospital buildings