RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between noise exposure, selected health conditions, and well-being among nurses. METHODS: A secondary analysis was performed on data obtained from 3,818 U.S. nurses who responded to a survey regarding noise exposure, health conditions, stress, professional quality of life, and workplace support. FINDINGS: Those who reported high noise exposure reported more health conditions, higher stress and burnout scores, and lower supportive environments. High noise exposure was significantly associated with lower professional quality of life. CONCLUSION/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: Noise may impact the health and quality of professional life of nurses. Occupational health nurses should advocate for the regular monitoring of nurses' exposure to hazardous noise at work, compare it to OSHA permissible levels, and collaborate with the occupational health team to ensure safe noise levels are maintained. Occupational health nurses should advocate for expanded research on effects of noise on health.
Assuntos
Esgotamento Profissional , Enfermeiras e Enfermeiros , Estudos Transversais , Humanos , Satisfação no Emprego , Qualidade de Vida , Inquéritos e Questionários , Local de TrabalhoRESUMO
Farmers experience higher rates of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) than workers in most other industries. We developed a model of farmers' use of hearing protection, and tested it with a random sample (n = 532) of farmers from the upper Midwest. Barriers to using hearing protection (e.g., difficulty communicating; OR = .44, p < .003) were negatively related to use. Greater access/availability of hearing protectors (OR = 1.75, p < .010) and male gender (OR = .43, p < .019) were positively related to use. The model correctly predicted use of hearing protection for 74% of the cases. Overall, farmers demonstrated low hearing protector use, and results were similar to those from previous studies of non-farm workers. Findings from this study will be useful in designing interventions to increase farmers' hearing protector use and decrease their rates of NIHL.