Relationship Between Settlement Distances And Noise Levels With Public Health Complaints In The Dwikora Village Railroad In Medan City

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Relationship between Settlement Distances and Noise Levels with Public Health Complaints in the Dwikora Village Railroad in Medan City

Introduction

In the midst of rapid urbanization, Indonesia's population has reached 278.84 million people, posing significant challenges to big cities like Medan. As the fifth most populous city in Indonesia, Medan faces the problem of increasing slums, particularly in areas close to railroad tracks. This study aims to explore the relationship between the distance of settlements from the railroad tracks and the noise level produced, with complaints from public health in Dwikora Village, Medan.

The Impact of Urbanization on Public Health

Urbanization has brought about numerous benefits, including economic growth and improved living standards. However, it also poses significant challenges to public health, particularly in big cities like Medan. The rapid growth of the population has led to an increase in slums, which are often located in areas close to railroad tracks. These areas are prone to high levels of noise pollution, which can have a significant impact on public health.

Research Methods

This study uses a quantitative approach with the cross-sectional method. The population studied included 62 respondents living in the railroad environment in Dwikora Village. To measure the distance of settlements and noise levels, measurements were taken in region IV, V, and IX using a distance gauge and sound level meter. Data collection regarding health complaints was carried out through interviews using questionnaires, as well as examination of blood pressure using tensimeter.

Research Results

The results showed that most of the respondents, namely 46 people (74.2%), stayed at a distance of 15-30 meters from the railroad tracks. The majority of respondents also experienced a noise level that exceeded the standard, with 43 people (69.4%) reporting high noise in their homes. Of the total 62 respondents, 41 people (66.1%) experienced health complaints. Interestingly, of 38 respondents who lived at a distance of 15-30 meters, 82.6% experienced health complaints. On the other hand, from respondents who live at a distance of 31-45 meters, only 18.7% experience health complaints.

When considering the noise level, 37 respondents (86.1%) exposed to noise above 55 DBA reported health complaints, while only 21.1% of respondents exposed to noise below the standard experienced health problems.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis shows a significant relationship between settlement distances (p = 0,0001) and noise level (p = 0,0001) with public health complaints. This finding shows that the closer the settlement with the railroad tracks and the higher the noise level, the more likely the community will experience health complaints.

Implications and Recommendations

Based on the results of the study, it is essential for PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) and the local government to formulate a policy that limits the development of settlements around the railroad tracks. This step is expected to reduce noise exposure that has the potential to cause public health problems. In addition, the need for socialization and education to the public about the negative impact of living close to the railroad track is very necessary. Thus, it is expected that the quality of life of the people in Dwikora Village and the surrounding area can be increased, as well as the health complaints faced can be minimized.

Conclusion

By taking proactive steps, it is hoped that a healthier environment can be created for people who live around the railroad tracks, as well as answering the challenges of increasingly complex urbanization in the big cities of Indonesia. The findings of this study highlight the importance of considering the impact of urbanization on public health and the need for policymakers to take action to mitigate the effects of noise pollution.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future research should focus on exploring the impact of noise pollution on public health in other areas of Medan, as well as in other cities in Indonesia. Additionally, research should be conducted to identify effective strategies for reducing noise pollution and improving public health in areas close to railroad tracks.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the study. Future research should aim to increase the sample size and explore the impact of noise pollution on public health in a broader context.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the significant relationship between settlement distances and noise levels with public health complaints in the Dwikora Village railroad in Medan City. The findings of this study have important implications for policymakers and highlight the need for proactive steps to mitigate the effects of noise pollution on public health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship between Settlement Distances and Noise Levels with Public Health Complaints in the Dwikora Village Railroad in Medan City

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to explore the relationship between the distance of settlements from the railroad tracks and the noise level produced, with complaints from public health in Dwikora Village, Medan.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it highlights the impact of noise pollution on public health in areas close to railroad tracks. The findings of this study can inform policymakers and stakeholders about the need to take proactive steps to mitigate the effects of noise pollution on public health.

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The key findings of this study include:

  • Most respondents (74.2%) stayed at a distance of 15-30 meters from the railroad tracks.
  • The majority of respondents (69.4%) experienced a noise level that exceeded the standard.
  • Of the total 62 respondents, 41 people (66.1%) experienced health complaints.
  • There is a significant relationship between settlement distances and noise levels with public health complaints.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that policymakers and stakeholders should take proactive steps to mitigate the effects of noise pollution on public health. This can include formulating policies that limit the development of settlements around railroad tracks and providing education and socialization to the public about the negative impact of living close to railroad tracks.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the small sample size and the limited scope of the study. Future research should aim to increase the sample size and explore the impact of noise pollution on public health in a broader context.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: The recommendations for future research include:

  • Exploring the impact of noise pollution on public health in other areas of Medan and other cities in Indonesia.
  • Identifying effective strategies for reducing noise pollution and improving public health in areas close to railroad tracks.
  • Conducting further research to increase the sample size and explore the impact of noise pollution on public health in a broader context.

Q: What are the potential solutions to mitigate the effects of noise pollution on public health?

A: Some potential solutions to mitigate the effects of noise pollution on public health include:

  • Formulating policies that limit the development of settlements around railroad tracks.
  • Providing education and socialization to the public about the negative impact of living close to railroad tracks.
  • Implementing noise reduction measures such as sound barriers and noise-reducing materials.
  • Encouraging the use of noise-reducing technologies such as noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study?

A: The potential benefits of this study include:

  • Informing policymakers and stakeholders about the need to take proactive steps to mitigate the effects of noise pollution on public health.
  • Providing a framework for future research on the impact of noise pollution on public health.
  • Contributing to the development of effective strategies for reducing noise pollution and improving public health in areas close to railroad tracks.