Environmental Noise Pollution in a Public Healthcare Facility: A Case Study of General Hospital, Akure, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Environmental noise pollution represents a significant urban environmental challenge, particularly in healthcare environments where quiet surroundings are necessary for patient recovery and effective medical service delivery. This study investigates environmental noise levels within General Hospital, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, and its surrounding urban environment. Materials and Methods: Noise measurements were conducted at twenty monitoring locations comprising fourteen hospital units and six surrounding urban sites. Descriptive statistical analysis including minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation was used to evaluate noise level variation across locations. Results: The mean noise levels within hospital units ranged from 56.95 to 71.10 dBA, with an overall hospital average of 63.04 dBA. Surrounding urban locations recorded significantly higher mean values ranging from 73.75 to 76.75 dBA, with an average of 75.28 dBA. These values exceed recommended acoustic limits for hospital environments. Spatial analysis suggests that traffic activity and urban commercial operations surrounding the hospital contribute substantially to environmental noise exposure. Comparative analysis with international and African hospital studies indicates that elevated noise levels in healthcare facilities represent a global environmental challenge, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions. Conclusion: The study highlights implications for patient recovery, staff productivity, and healthcare environmental management. Policy interventions, including hospital acoustic design improvements, traffic regulation, environmental monitoring programs, and urban planning measures, are recommended to mitigate noise exposure in healthcare environments.