Noise Level and its Sources in Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Selected Public Hospitals in Kigali City

Background Noise in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has an impact on the developmental progress of neonates, especially preterm. Technology advancement has improved the life of preterm neonates, but also changed NICU into a noisy place. Objective To measure the noise levels and identify its sources in NICU at selected public hospitals in Kigali city` Methods A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study. A sound level meter was used in recording the Sound level in six different locations of the NICUs at five different times. An observational checklist was used to identify possible sources of noise. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA). Results Sound levels recorded in all the NICUs were high ranging from 61.8 decibel (dB) to 77.0 dB, greater than the 45 dB recommended by the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP). The maximum noise level was 77.0 dB. Ward rounds had the highest noise levels, and lunchtime had the lowest noise levels in all hospitals. Noise levels were high at the station near the entrance in all NICU rooms. Conclusion In all NICUs, the noise level generated was greater than the standard limits established by AAP. Neonates need noise-free environment as excess noise has an impact on their wellbeing. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2020;3(2):115-127