An Investigation on the Effects of Occupational Noise Caused by Harmful Steel Process on Psychological and Cognitive Components of Employees in Isfahan Steel Industry

• Published in: Armaghane Danesh Bimonthly Journal
• Main Authors: H Alimoradi, M Nazari, R Jafari Nodoshan, Ajdani A
• Format: Article
• Language: Persian
• Published: Yasuj University Of Medical Sciences 2021-07-01
• Subjects: standard 9612; noise; moods; cognitive processing; depression; personality type
• Online Access: http://armaghanj.yums.ac.ir/article-1-2917-en.html

Background & aim: Sound-induced psychological disorders include anxiety, stress and restlessness, sleep disturbances and impaired mental function and information processing. Noise pollution in addition to the adverse effects on the physical health of people in terms of quality can also create annoying conditions for people who are exposed to it. The aim of the present study was to determine and investigate the effects of occupational noise caused by harmful steel process on the psychological and cognitive components of employees in Isfahan steel industry.   Methods: The present research was a case-control study. In order to investigate the relationship between variables, disturbances caused by steel industry noise in 1000 employees of Isfahan steel industry in 2020 was completed. Sampling was done randomly. All samples in the control group were matched with the exposed group in terms of demographic characteristics. The instruments of this study were DASS questionnaire, CPI, personality types and the standard measurement method 9612 was used to obtain objective noise. The collected data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-test and Fisher tests.   Results: Based on the findings of the study, age factor on depression, marital status factor on anxiety and shift factor had a significant effect on staff stress (p <0.05). There was no significant difference in anxiety and depression variables between case and control groups (p <0.05), but the mean of stress variable in case group (66.1 ± 40.11) was significantly higher than control group (89.12 ± 59.1 (p <0.001). This indicated that the intensity of the sound was more effective in increasing the stress level of workers.   Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that due to the positive and significant relationship between sound intensity and cognitive and mental components in the case group, it is necessary to take effective preventive measures to prevent psychological harm and maintain workers' health in this industry.