Paisagem sonora: relações entre áreas verdes e a saúde dos profissionais docentes do município de Itajubá-MG

Abstract

The intensification of the urbanization process is an increasingly noticeable phenomenon in contemporary society, generating significant environmental impacts, among which noise pollution stands out, negatively affecting the health and well-being of the entire population. This observational epidemiological study investigated the relationship between exposure to green areas, the Soundscape (S) of school environments, and the prevalence of perceived stress among teachers working in twelve state schools in the municipality of Itajubá. Data collection was carried out through the application of a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to a random sample of 80 teachers. The assessment of vegetation cover around the schools was based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and data analysis was conducted using unconditional multiple logistic regression. The results indicated a significant association between perceived stress, type of employment contract, and gender. Permanent female teachers were most likely to experience stress, while male teachers and those on temporary contracts were least likely. The prevalence of stress among teachers was 53.7%. The soundscape was characterized as predominantly agitated, with educational institutions located near the central area of the municipality presenting the lowest levels of vegetation and the highest probability of exposure to traffic noise. One limitation of the research is the smaller sample size than projected, a fact that influences the results obtained. It is concluded that the perception of noise and exposure to green areas did not show statistically significant associations with stress. On the other hand, stress was significantly associated with sex and type of employment contract, revealing the need to adopt health and well-being promotion strategies that consider these findings.