Noise and Health in Vulnerable Groups: A Case Study of a Diagnostic Clinic for Autistic Children in Mohammedpur, Dhaka

Abstract

A comfortable acoustical environment is imperative for the safety, well-being and recovery of patients receiving treatment in any type of healthcare service. Unfortunately, lack of satisfactory acoustical performance in most healthcare buildings worldwide has led to unfavorable prevailing conditions such as extremely noisy environment, irritation, disturbance, deterioration of a patient's health, and increase in likelihood of being readmitted into hospitals. This paper presents a case study on a diagnostic clinic targeted for autistic individuals in Mohammedpur, Dhaka as an attempt to investigate prevailing conditions of acoustical performance in healthcare facilities of Dhaka city. Questionnaire survey on users, instrumental survey on background noise levels and observations were conducted to obtain quantitative and qualitative data on acoustical performance. Instrumental survey results indicate that noise levels inside the specified clinic ranged from 59.5 to 76.5 dBA -exceeding the allowable limits of local and international standards. Questionnaire survey results also signify users' dissatisfaction with existing noise conditions and thus a poor acoustical environment. This study is expected to develop awareness on current unacceptable acoustical conditions of healthcare facilities and provide tentative propositions to commence effective initiatives for developing design criteria for healthcare buildings in general, and those for autistic group in particular.