THE EFFECT OF NOISE POLLUTION ON PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH OF PREGNANT WOMEN IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Owoseni Joseph Sina*, Ibikunle Michael Ayodele and Ijabadeniyi Olasupo Augustine

ABSTRACT

Noise is ubiquitous in our environment. High intensities of noise have been associated with numerous health effects in adults, including noise-induced hearing loss and high blood pressure. Exposure to high levels of noise can have beneficial harmful effects on the pregnant woman, developing fetus and preterm infant. Therefore, this study assessed the effect of noise pollution on physical and mental health of pregnant women in Ekiti State, Nigeria. One hundred pregnant women and health workers were interviewed on the effect of noise pollution on physical and mental health of pregnant women. Findings showed that knowledge on the causes, effect and prevention of noise in pregnant women was acceptable among the respondents. Thirty four (34%) of the respondents agreed that elevated workplace or environmental noise can cause hearing impairment. Conclusively, despite reasonable knowledge on excessive noise and its effect on pregnant women and the foetus, there is a need to improve availability of information. Policy makers should enforce policies that make the manufacturers of equipment to reduce their noise output.

Keywords: Pollution, Noise, Mental Health, Pregnancy, Ekiti, Nigeria.