Exposure to Road Traffic Noise and Behavioral Problems in 7-Year-Old Children: A Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Exposure to traffic noise has been associated with adverse effects on neuropsychological outcomes in children, but findings with regard to behavioral problems are inconsistent.

Objective: We investigated whether residential road traffic noise exposure is associated with behavioral problems in 7-year-old children.

Methods: We identified 46,940 children from the Danish National Birth Cohort with complete information on behavioral problems at 7 years of age and complete address history from conception to 7 years of age. Road traffic noise (Lden) was modeled at all present and historical addresses. Behavioral problems were assessed by the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Associations between pregnancy and childhood exposure to noise and behavioral problems were analyzed by multinomial or logistic regression and adjusted for potential confounders.

Results: A 10-dB increase in average time-weighted road traffic noise exposure from birth to 7 years of age was associated with a 7% increase (95% CI: 1.00, 1.14) in abnormal versus normal total difficulties scores; 5% (95% CI: 1.00, 1.10) and 9% (95% CI: 1.03, 1.18) increases in borderline and abnormal hyperactivity/inattention subscale scores, respectively; and 5% (95% CI: 0.98, 1.14) and 6% (95% CI: 0.99, 1.12) increases in abnormal conduct problem and peer relationship problem subscale scores, respectively. Exposure to road traffic noise during pregnancy was not associated with child behavioral problems at 7 years of age.

Conclusions: Residential road traffic noise in early childhood may be associated with behavioral problems, particularly hyperactivity/inattention symptoms.

Figure 1

Associations between exposure to road traffic noise (L_den) at childhood and abnormal scores on the total difficulties score (A) and hyperactivity/inattention subscale (B). The vertical whiskers show odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals at the median of four exposure categories (50–55, 55–60, 60–65, and ≥ 65 dB) when compared with the reference category of < 50 dB.