The effect of aircraft noise on the mental health of a community sample: a pilot study

Psychol Med. 1978 May;8(2):219-33. doi: 10.1017/s0033291700014276.

Abstract

Results of the investigation of a sample of size N = 200, half of whom live in the vicinity of a main airport, are reported. Three health indicators were examined: (1) annoyance reactions measured with a scale which did not include symptoms; (2) a symptom score, obtained with a screening instrument which identifies possible psychiatric cases; and (3) confirmed psychiatric cases identified with a traditional diagnosis after an interview by a psychiatrist. Noise was undoubtedly associated with annoyance. An association between noise and psychiatric measures was only present in a subgroup of respondents of high education. There was a marked association between annoyance and psychiatric measures. An attempt was made to clarify the nature of this relationship. Hypersensitivity to noise was associated with a high frequency of psychiatric symptoms and should be considered among the high risk factors for psychiatric illness.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aircraft*
  • England
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Noise / adverse effects*
  • Pilot Projects