Spatiotemporal Assessment of Environmental Noise Exposure and Associated Health Effects around Religious Centers in Abeokuta, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1010-5114Keywords:
Environmental Noise Pollution, Religious Centers, Noise Exposure, Public Health, Urban Environmental ManagementAbstract
Environmental noise pollution from religious activities has emerged as a pressing environmental health concern in rapidly urbanizing Nigerian cities. This study assessed noise levels from selected churches and mosques in Abeokuta and examined the associated health effects among nearby residents. A cross‑sectional design combining environmental noise monitoring and questionnaire surveys was adopted. Twenty religious centers (15 churches, 5 mosques) were sampled, and 200 residents participated. Noise levels were measured with a calibrated sound level meter during morning, afternoon, and evening/night periods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t‑test, one‑way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. Mean environmental noise across all centers was 85.48 ± 9.03 dB (A), exceeding World Health Organization and NESREA residential limits. Churches recorded significantly higher noise levels than mosques (t = 4.62, p = .001). Noise intensity varied across time, with evening/night worship activities producing the highest levels, F (2, 57) = 8.47, p = .002. Commonly reported health complaints included headache (51.7%), annoyance (45.0%), insomnia (43.3%), and lack of concentration (45.0%). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between noise exposure and headache (r = .71, p < .01) as well as sleep disturbance (r = .64, p < .01).
The findings demonstrate that religious noise constitutes a significant environmental health challenge in Abeokuta. Stricter enforcement of noise regulations and adoption of sustainable control measures are recommended to protect residential communities from adverse health impacts.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Wole Odubanjo, Oduwole Odubanjo, Funmilola Odubanjo, Mohammed Sanni
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