The effect of occupational noise exposure and noise sensitivity on noise annoyance, mental health, and cognitive failure: A structural equation modeling analysis of paper-making industry workers

This study aimed to model the structural equations representing the effects of noise exposure and noise sensitivity on noise annoyance, mental disorders, and cognitive failure in the paper-making industry. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 350 participants working in the paper-making industry who were exposed to noise. The Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale, Noise Annoyance Questionnaire, Cognitive Failure Questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) were utilized to evaluate participants’ levels of noise sensitivity, annoyance, cognitive failures, and mental health disorders. To test the research hypotheses and conduct structural equation modeling, SMART PLS software was employed. Structural equation modeling revealed a direct and significant effect of noise exposure on noise annoyance ( p = 0.002), as well as on mental disorders, including anxiety ( p = 0.005), depression ( p < 0.001), stress ( p < 0.001), and cognitive failure ( p < 0.001). Additionally, indirect effects were observed using stress and depression as mediators ( p = 0.048 and p = 0.017). Noise sensitivity similarly impacted annoyance ( p < 0.001), anxiety ( p < 0.001), depression ( p < 0.001), stress ( p < 0.001), and cognitive failure ( p < 0.001). An indirect effect of noise sensitivity on cognitive failure was noted through stress ( p = 0.031), anxiety ( p = 0.007), and depression ( p < 0.001). Noise exposure had a more pronounced effect on cognitive failure compared to noise sensitivity. Conclusively, exposure to elevated noise levels significantly contributes to noise annoyance, mental disorders (stress, anxiety, and depression), and cognitive failure among workers. Individuals with higher noise sensitivity score were found to be more vulnerable to these adverse effects compared to those with lower sensitivity.