The effect of staff training on the amount of sound pollution in the intensive care unit

Context: sound pollution is a common problem in intensive care units (icus) with unfavorable consequences. aims: the aim of the current study was to determine the effect of staff training on the amount of sound pollution in the icu. setting and design: this quasi‑experimental study was conducted in the icu of rouhani hospital in babol. materials and methods: level of equivalent (leq) sound was measured in three work shifts for 2 weeks, before and after training, in 2 workdays and a holiday, using a systematic network stationing method. the sample size was determined based on the days of measurement, work‑shift, and measuring stations (6 × 3 × 10 = 180). indirect training was performed. a 2‑week opportunity was given to study materials. statistical analysis used: data were analyzed using paired t‑test and rmanova. results: following the training, the mean leq in all stations (ten stations) decreased from 67.21 to 62.11 db (p = 0.002). conclusion: although the amount of sound pollution decreased significantly after training, it was still higher than standard. to achieve the desired level of sound, continuous monitoring of sound at intervals of 6 months, along with structural engineering and equipment, is suggested.