The problem of indoor environmental quality at a general Slovenian hospital and its contribution to sick building syndrome. (15th April 2022) - Kalender-Smajlović, Sedina
Abstract: The hospital setting is among the more complex and challenging indoor environments with its different users and risk factors. The sick building syndrome (SBS) in association with environmental risk factors and measurements of environmental parameters remains underresearched. The aim of our study was to combine the results of i) self-perceived indoor environmental quality in the observed hospital wards, ii) SBS symptoms and iii) identified deviations of the measured environmental parameters from the legally required and/or recommended values for the hospital environment. Based on that, we aimed to identify measures for improving indoor environmental quality. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Slovenian hospital in 2019 on a sample of 258 healthcare workers and 78 allied health professionals/other employees. Data were gathered using the standardized questionnaires MM NA Hospital and MM NA Office. Measurements of environmental parameters were conducted at ten measurement locations at different hospital wards/units. The most frequently self-reported SBS symptoms over the previous three months included fatigue (healthcare workers: 42.6%; allied health professionals/other employees: 30.8%) and a heavy head (healthcare workers: 29.8%; allied health professionals/other employees: 20.5%). The most frequent environmental risk parameters were unpleasant odor (39.1%) and stale air (34.6%). A significant difference in the measurements of environmental parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, horizontal illumination, carbon dioxide (CO2 ) concentration, and noise level) was identified at measurement locations of hospital wards/units compared to the legally required and/or recommended values (p = <0.001). Our study underlines the importance of raising awareness among healthcare workers and allied health professionals/other employees about ensuring appropriate environmental factors in the hospital setting. Highlights: The first research in the field of sick building syndrome (SBS) in the hospital environment in Slovenia in relation to environmental health risk factors. The most common parameters of environmental health risk factors include unpleasant odor; stale, dry air; draft; and excessive room air temperature. The most common symptoms of SBS in the observed hospital wards include fatigue, a heavy head and dry/reddened/itchy skin on the hands. Results of self-assessment revealed environmental risk factors which were similar to those identified by measurements.