Physiological Influence of Noise Pollution on High School Students

This study investigated the physiological effects of noise pollution and academic stress on high school students, focusing on hormonal and cardiovascular responses. This study was conducted in Zakho, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the study involved 60 students (15–18 years) from Haval (boys) and Payvin (girls) High Schools. Noise levels were measured in three phases: control (quiet garden), pre-exam (high stress), and post-exam (reduced stress). Results showed a significant increase in noise levels during exams, with pre-exam means of 94.3 ± 0.05 dB (p < 0.05) compared to the control (73.64 ± 0.03 dB). Cortisol levels rose sharply in both genders, peaking at 19.5 ± 1.03 µg/dL (males) and 21.1 ± 2.3 µg/dL (females) during exams (p = 0.003 and p = 0.005, respectively). Systolic blood pressure increased significantly in males (131.8 ± 3.6 mmHg, p = 0.008) and females (126.2 ± 2.21 mmHg, p = 0.039), while caloric expenditure surged by 51% in males (2380 ± 77.12 cal, p = 0.004) and 11% in females (1954 ± 38.03 cal, p = 0.025). Body composition changes, though less pronounced, included elevated body fat post-exam in males (15.96 ± 3.3%, p = 0.65) and increased muscle content in females (75.22 ± 2.31%, p = 0.06). The findings highlight critical environmental stressors, stress as noise pollution, impairing academic stress and triggering measurable physiological disruptions. These results advocate for noise-mitigation strategies in schools to safeguard student health and academic performance.