Abstract:
Background: Environmental noise in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has an impact
on developmental progress of neonates especially preterm. Technology advancement has
improved the life of preterm neonates but also changed NICU into a noisy place. Exposure to
noise in NICU has the potential to affect neonatal auditory development, sleep patterns and
physiological stability. It is necessary to determine the noise levels and its sources in
overcrowded and busy urban hospitals of Kigali city.
Aim: To measure the noise levels and its sources in NICU in selected public hospitals in
Kigali city.
Methodology: A quantitative cross-section descriptive study. A sound level meter was used in
recording Sound level in six different locations of the NICUs at five different times of the day
over the course of seven days at each hospital. Observational checklist was used to identify
possible sources of noise. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics
(ANOVA). Ethical Clearance Letter was granted by the College of Medicine and Health
Science, Institution Review Board.
Results: Sound levels recorded in all the NICUs were high ranging from 61.8 dB to 77.0 dB,
when the recommendation from American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) is 45 dB.
Maximum noise level of hospital 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 72.3dB, 72.6dB, 76.5dB and 77.0dB;
respectively, which were statically significant (p < 0.001). Ward rounds had the maximum
noise levels compared to other times. The lowest noise level was lunch time in all hospitals.
Noise levels were also high in all NICUs‟ rooms at the station near the entrance and the station
which was located near nurses/midwifery station.
Conclusion: In all NICUs the noise level generated was greater than the standard limits
established by WHO and AAP. More research is needed on noise level in neonatal units of
different health settings. Advocacy is also needed for the health of neonates towards noise free
environment. Excess noise has a negative effect on neonates.
