Self-Reported Health Effects and Risk Factors Associated with Noise Exposure among Auto-Mechanic Workers in Abeokuta Town, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the noise exposure level and the association between self-reported health effects and risk factors among workers in auto mechanic workshops in Abeokuta town, Nigeria. Noise levels were measured at selected auto mechanic sites. A cross-sectional study was also conducted among fifty workers using a wellstructured questionnaire across the sampling sites. The recorded noise level in the morning and afternoon ranged between 61.3 - 75.8 dB and 70.4 and 86.4dB respectively. The noise values in the afternoon were significantly higher than the morning noise levels (t = -2.231; p = 0.030). The noise levels were above the WHO permissible limits in all the sampling locations. The overall occurrence of self-reported health effects were hearing loss (32%), annoyance (62%), irritation (72%), insomnia (16%), ringing in ears (44%), fatigue (44%), and high blood pressure (18%). The reported noise-induced health effects were associated with the age of the workers, duration of noise exposure and perceived noise sources in the study area. In the binomial regression model, exposure to occupational noise for 8 – 12 hours daily was an independent determinant risk factor of hearing loss (OR = 2.27, 95% Cl, 1.21-24.88) and fatigue (OR = 5.00, 95% Cl, 1.16-21.50). The implementation of correct wearing of earplugs among workers and the creation of awareness on noise-induced health effects to reduce noise exposure in the working environment would help in protecting exposed workers in the study area.