Proliferation of noise pollution: implication on health and community perception in coastal slums

•Urban-environmental models significantly explain the perception of noise effects on humans health.•Generator, public address system and industrial grinding machines was found to dominate the noise profile in the slums.•Road traffic and moving vehicles are the major noise pollution sources in the slums.•Strategic noise map, action plan and interventions would significantly reduce noise level and population exposure.•Geo-spatial mapping using Kriging technique for sample collection point would help to predict noise pollution level on urban slum dwellers. Noise pollution's impact on human health and community perceptions is explored in this study. This study employed a mixed method approach, including survey, documentary, in-depth interviews, and noise meter measurements. Noise readings were measured at 15-minute intervals for each site using a precision-grade sound level meter. Descriptive and inferential statistics (SPSS version 20.0) and a geospatial information system-based Kriging technique (ArcGIS) were used for data analysis. The average mean value of noise levels (67.5±3.0, 67.2±2.2 75.0±4.3, 66.7±0.0 and 66.2±2.2 dBA) from five locations exceeded WHO and NESREA standards of 65 and 55 during the day permissible limits in wet season; while during dry season (67.2±5.8, 71.6±0.7, 70.6±0.0, 71.9±0.0, 68.8±0.0, 75.1±0.0, 74.2±0.2 and 79.4±0.0 dBA) from eight locations surpass the recommended limits. Socio-demographic profiles showed that females were more impacted by noise pollution than males, and people between the age group of 40-59 years also expressed concern about noise pollution's impact. Additionally, 52.5, 42.5, and 40% of the married respondents across the study area revealed high levels of proneness to noise pollution. Primary and secondary educational levels, as well as employment status (civil servant or unemployed), were identified as good predictors of noise-related health problems. Sources of noise pollution, as reported by the slum dwellers, include generator sets (37.5%), religious worship centers (42.5%), grinding machines and public address systems (60%), moving vehicles (62.5%), marketplaces (67.5%), and motor parks (75%).Contributory factors attributed to reported noise pollution levels are an increase in community population, duration of stay, and periods of extreme noise pollution. Perceived auditory and non-auditory health effects of noise exposure include hearing loss, hypertension, poor sleep quality, disturbances in mental heal