The relationship between occupational noise exposure and blood pressure among newspaper printing plant workers / Hayatil Aqidah Nor Azmi

A cross sectional study was carried out among newspaper printing plant workers in Shah Alam, Selangor. The objective of this study is to identify the correlation between occupational noise exposure and blood pressure among newspaper printing plant workers. Fourty eight ( 48) workers were involved in this study after considered the inclusive criterion. Questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demography data from respondents. Height and weight scale (Model SECA) was used to measure height and weight of respondents. Blood pressure level was determined by using Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with arm cuff, Model IA2 (OMRON) within blood pressure screening test form. Noise Dosimeter (QS 300) was used to measure workplace noise level and personal noise exposure level. According to the results, the noise level of the equipments in study area are exceed 85 d.B(A) of the action level. The mean of Lavg dB(A) among respondents is 82.53 ± 3.28 which is below the action level. There is no significant relationship between Lavg dB(A) and blood pressure level after work (Systolic, r=0.154, p=0.147 I Diastolic, r=0.092, p=0.268). There is also no significant different between blood pressure level before and after work (Systolic, p=0.442 I Diastolic p=0.073)/However there is a significant relationship between working duration and blood pressure level (Systolic, r=0.264, p=0.035/ Diastolic, r=0.401, p=0.002). The correlation is affected by the age and BMI of respondents. There is a significant relationship between age and blood pressure (Systolic, p=0.041 I Diastolic, p=0.00). There is also a significant relationship between BMI and blood pressure (Systolic, p=0.000 I Diastolic, p=0.000). In conclusion, this study does not show the significant relationship between occupational noise exposure and blood pressure among newspaper printing plant workers.