Volume 11, Issue 2 (1-2026)
SJNMP 2026, 11(2): 192-198 |
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Nasimi F, Norouzi M. Relationship Between Noise Pollution and Heart Rate and Blood Pressure in Preterm Infants Hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Cross-Sectional Study. SJNMP 2026; 11 (2) :192-198
URL: http://sjnmp.muk.ac.ir/article-1-708-en.html
URL: http://sjnmp.muk.ac.ir/article-1-708-en.html
1- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun branch, Kazerun, Iran. , nasimif2011@gmail.com
2- Payame Noor University of Assaluyeh, Assaluyeh International University, Bushehr, Iran
2- Payame Noor University of Assaluyeh, Assaluyeh International University, Bushehr, Iran
Abstract: (18 Views)
Background and Aim: Preterm infants are vulnerable to adverse environmental factors because of their physiological limitations, immature central nervous system, and prolonged hospitalization in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Environmental noise may affect their physiological status. This study aimed to determine the relationship between environmental noise levels in the NICU and heart rate and blood pressure in preterm infants.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Ghaem Educational Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Sixty preterm infants were selected using convenience sampling. Environmental noise levels were measured over 24 hours at different times of the day, including morning, afternoon, and night, using a sound level meter. The infants’ heart rate and blood pressure were recorded using monitoring equipment. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and SPSS version 16.
Results: Mean sound pressure levels during the different shifts were higher than recommended levels. A positive and significant correlation was found between noise level and heart rate on Saturday (r=0.33, P<0.01) and Friday (r=0.29, P<0.02). However, no statistically significant correlation was observed between noise level and systolic or diastolic blood pressure on either day.
Conclusion: Environmental noise levels in the NICU were higher than recommended levels. Increased noise exposure was positively and significantly associated with heart rate in preterm infants, whereas no significant association was observed with systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Therefore, controlling and reducing environmental noise in NICUs should be considered in daily clinical practice to provide an appropriate environment for caring for preterm infants.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Ghaem Educational Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Sixty preterm infants were selected using convenience sampling. Environmental noise levels were measured over 24 hours at different times of the day, including morning, afternoon, and night, using a sound level meter. The infants’ heart rate and blood pressure were recorded using monitoring equipment. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and SPSS version 16.
Results: Mean sound pressure levels during the different shifts were higher than recommended levels. A positive and significant correlation was found between noise level and heart rate on Saturday (r=0.33, P<0.01) and Friday (r=0.29, P<0.02). However, no statistically significant correlation was observed between noise level and systolic or diastolic blood pressure on either day.
Conclusion: Environmental noise levels in the NICU were higher than recommended levels. Increased noise exposure was positively and significantly associated with heart rate in preterm infants, whereas no significant association was observed with systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Therefore, controlling and reducing environmental noise in NICUs should be considered in daily clinical practice to provide an appropriate environment for caring for preterm infants.
Keywords: Noise pollution, Neonatal intensive care unit, Premature infant, Heart rate, Blood pressure.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/06/29 | Revised: 2026/09/22 | Accepted: 2026/09/22 | Published: 2026/01/10 | ePublished: 2026/01/10
Received: 2026/06/29 | Revised: 2026/09/22 | Accepted: 2026/09/22 | Published: 2026/01/10 | ePublished: 2026/01/10
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