Built environment survey in a small community: determinants of noise annoyance and sleep disturbance

TPS 701: Spatial determinants of population health, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 27, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/aims: Based on the “Large Analysis and Review of European Housing and Health Status” (LARES), we realized a built environment survey in a small French Canadian community (population: 7000) in 2012. The purpose was to identify health priorities for the local stakeholders. A part of the survey concerning noise exposure is presented here according to two objectives: 1. to determine the prevalence of noise annoyance and sleep disturbances stratified by sources and 2. to describe environmental determinants related to these problems. Methods: A sample of 200 households was targeted. Finally 161 households (valid questionnaires for 294 people ≥ 5 years old) participated to the survey. Three tools adapted from LARES were mainly used for the collect of data (two questionnaires and one inspection grid). Household’s characteristics and annoyance/sleep disturbances in relation with noise were examined using χ2 tests. Results: We documented proportions of 22.5% and 32%% of households with at least one person highly annoyed or disturbed by noise during the last 12 months. The main sources of annoyance and sleep disturbances were transport (annoyance: 15.3%; sleep disturbances: 20.1%) and neighborhood (annoyance: 13.5%; sleep disturbances: 9.7%). Noise annoyance was related to noisy people, speed limits not respected and dwelling requiring major renovations. Sleep disturbances were related to noisy people, speed limits not respected, living in a detached dwelling and living in a non residential zoning. Conclusions: Even in a rural setting, noise can be a public health concern. The survey was helpful for local stakeholders to determine the extent of the problem and to identify determinants.