Perception of Traders on Noise Levels and its Related Health Effects in the Kotokuraba Market, Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

Noise pollution is primarily high in low- and middle-income countries in commercial areas, including Ghana. However, preventive measures are not well established because of insufficient knowledge of exposure and effect relationships. Noise pollution has become a significant concern for traders’ health because it can cause auditory and non-auditory problems. The study investigated the perception of traders concerning noise levels and health-related issues in the Kotokuraba market, Cape Coast, Ghana. Three hundred and thirty-seven respondents were sampled for the study. Questionnaires, an Interview guide, Sound Level Meter, and a GPS device were employed for data collection. Descriptive analysis, thematic analysis, and spatial analysis were conducted. The results revealed that traders consider noise levels a nuisance. Factors such as age, gender, education level, working condition and income of traders were found to influence their sensitivity to noise pollution levels. Noise levels were discovered to be high on Sundays and in the afternoon, peaking at 97 dB (A), with daytime average noise levels exceeding the EPA recommended limit for commercial areas by 1 to 19 dB(A). The study also revealed that traders in the Kotokuraba market suffer from health problems such as noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, sleep disorders, and loss of concentration. Actions implemented to reduce noise pollution in the market were discovered to be unsuccessful. The study recommends that the Environmental Protection Agency and the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly enforce noise control regulations in the Kotokuraba market.