Effects of Noise on Vital Signs and Anxiety Levels of Patients Hospitalized in the General Surgery Intensive Care Unit

Background: Noise is one of the important stressors in intensive care. Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of noise on vital signs and anxiety levels of patients hospitalized in the General Surgery Intensive Care Unit (GSICU). Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted with 77 patients selected via power analysis who were hospitalized in the GSICU of a Training and Research hospital and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected through the "Socio-demographic Form", the "State and Trait Anxiety Inventory" the "VAS", the "Vital Signs and Sound Level Meter Forms". Results: The results showed that the mean sound level in the GSICU was 56,18 dB. This value is higher than the value recommended for hospitals. The patients were reportedly disturbed mostly by the bed-side monitor sounds. No significant correlations were found between noise and trait/state anxiety, systolic /diastolic pressure, pulse, respiration, and body temperature (p>0.05). Conclusion: It is recommended to make a periodical assessment of the effects of hospital noise on patients and workers within the framework of the Quality Health Service Standards.