Impact of Noise Pollution on Residents’ Health in Osogbo Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

The pervasive and persistent impact of pollution on the environment and societies is though well recognised but has been given whimsical empirical research attention. This study investigates noise pollution and its health impacts on residents of Osogbo, Nigeria. It examines noise prevalence, sources, severity, and clinically diagnosed health effects across different residential neighborhoods. From a compiled list of localities in the city, six were randomly selected in the ratio of 3:2:1 respectively from high, medium, and low residential neighborhoods. A total of 238 questionnaires were randomly administered to household heads in each selected locality. Six noise pollution sources, (traffic, markets, schools, industries, construction sites and hotels) were randomly selected and noise levels measured using Extech dosimeter. Analysis of Variance was employed to analyse variations in noise pollution levels across different residential densities, while Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationship between noise pollution and residents' health. Also, hospital records on clinically diagnosed health effects of environmental pollution from (2010-2019) were collected from LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Osogbo. Findings reveal that noise levels in the sampled neighborhoods were highest in the high-density areas, followed by the medium and low residential neighbourhoods. They however ranged from 50.0 to 114.2 dBA, exceeding WHO and FEPA limits in all cases. Furthermore, residents living closer to noise sources reported health issues such as headache and sleep disorders, with observable distance decay effect. The study highlights the urgent need for public awareness campaigns on the adverse effects of noise pollution.