The Relatioship between Exposure to Traffic Noise and Resting Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents from Belgrade
Invited paper
Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade University
Monday 1 june, 2015, 11:20 - 11:40
0.4 Brussels (189)
Abstract:
Background: Contrary to numerous studies on noise and blood pressure in adults,
similar investigations in children and adolescents are still scarce and equivocal.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between exposure to
noise at school and at home and children’s resting blood pressure.
Methods: A cross sectional study was performed on 467 children and adolescents
(203 boys and 264 girls) aged 11-15 years, from six elementary schools in
Belgrade. A medical doctor measured children’s resting blood pressure with
sphygmomanometer in a school setting. Body mass index for age percentile (BMI)
was calculated after measurement of body mass and height. Noise was measured in
front of children’s residences in one evening interval and in two night intervals
(Leq home), and in front of each school in three daily periods (Leq school).
Results: Multiple regression analysis, after allowing for age, gender and BMI,
revealed a significant positive relation between Leq school and children’s
systolic pressure. A 4,5 mm Hg rise of blood pressure may be expected per 10 dB
increase of Leq school (B=0.447; 95% CI = 0.261-0.633; p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Increased noise levels at school might be related to a higher systolic
pressure in children and adolescents.