Noise level in secondary schools the effect of noise on physical and mental health of students: The case of Aydin province

Denli G. Aydin Adnan Menderes University Health Sciences Institute of Health Sciences Public Health Nursing Program, Master's Thesis, Aydin, 2020. This study is a cross-sectional study in order to determine students' disturbances from noise by performing noise measurements in secondary schools in the district of Efeler, Aydın. The research was carried out with students who continue their education in the fall and spring semesters in the secondary schools affiliated to the Directorate of National Education in the Aydın Province Efeler District. A total of 11727 students formed the universe of the research. The sample size was calculated using the G-power program. The sample size was calculated using the G-power program. Data form; It consists of socio-demographic characteristics and noise perception questions. Noise measurement was made using the Svantek 957 model noise measuring device. In the analysis of the data, number, percentage and frequency analysis were used by using the SPSS 22.0 package program. This research has received project support from Aydın Adnan Menderes University Scientific Research Fund. Permission was obtained from Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Nursing Non-Invasive Clinical Research Ethics Committee and Aydın Provincial Directorate of National Education to conduct the study. 49.1% of the students participating in the study are girls and 50.9% are boys. 18.8% of the students defined noise as "making a lot of noise". The rate of those who are disturbed by the sound of the automobile coming from the outside environment during the time period of the students in the study is 51.2%, the rate of those who are disturbed by the sounds coming from the school is 68.8%. When there is noise, 71.2% of the students stated that they were distracted during the lesson, 68.5% of them stated that they had difficulty understanding the lesson. 73.4% of the students want their school to be in a quieter place. The noise levels in the classroom and schoolyard were measured with Svantek 957. The highest average noise level was measured as 66.2 dB (A) during breathing, and the lowest average noise level was measured as 48 dB (A) when the windows are closed in the empty classroom. During the lesson, the average noise level was obtained as 48.6 dB (A). The noise levels in some schools are slightly above the acceptable limit values. Noise emerges as a situation that disturbs the comfort of students in schools, makes it difficult to understand the lesson, and negatively affects health. In order to take adequate measures regarding noise in schools; School nurses can provide training to students, parents, teachers, school administrators and other school staff about situations that negatively affect noise and health. For this, the staff of the school nurse can be assigned to all schools affiliated to the Ministry of Education in Turkey. Thus, noise in schools and situations that negatively affect health can be detected early. Keywords: Discomfort, Noise, School, School Health, Understanding,