Promotion of Psychological Well-being of Stoneworkers by Eliminating Noise Pollution

Abstract

Introduction: Noise as a stressor has numerous psychological consequences for workers. To prevent these consequences, workers need to use hearing protection devices. This study tends to compare effect of earmuffs and hocks on psychological well-being of stoneworkers. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design, 60 healthy male workers of all stone cutting factories in Gonabad were selected by simple random sampling. Sample size was determined using the formula for calculating sample size in analytic observational studies and interventional studies. Initially, sound intensity was measured by Sound Level Meter and then psychological well-being of workers was determined by Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scales (RPWBS). Then, samples were randomly assigned to two groups of 30 who used earmuffs and hocks for a month. Finally, psychological well-being of both groups was measured. Data was analysed by using pairwise and independent t-test using statistical analysis software, SPSS, version 19. Results: There was no significant difference in demographic variables between two groups (p>0.05). Minimum, maximum and mean of noise level was 88.00, 107.40 and 96.94 +/- 3.86 dB (A) respectively. Psychological well-being significantly increased in hocks group, while it decreased in earmuffs group (p<0.05). The result showed that, hocks significantly increased positive relations with others, purpose in life, personal growth and environmental mastery (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, using personal protective equipment can affect Psychological Well-being of workers; however, some equipment can play a more effective role. The result showed that hock outperforms earmuff in eliminating noise pollution and promoting psychological well-being of stoneworkers. Thus, hocks are recommended in factories which produce noise pollution.