Correlation between Noise and Anxiety/Depression in Patients with Haemophiliac Osteoarthropathy after Hip and Knee Replacement.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between postoperative noise exposure and anxiety/depression in patients with haemophilic osteoarthropathy undergoing hip/knee replacement.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 58 patients with haemophilic osteoarthropathy who underwent hip/knee replacement in four tertiary hospitals between 2020 and 2025. Data were collected from clinical records. Ward noise levels (daytime/nighttime) were measured on postoperative days 1-3 by using a sound level metre. Patients were divided into high-noise (≥45 dB, n = 30) and low-noise (<45 dB, n = 28) groups. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS) were assessed. Pearson's correlation and t-tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The high-noise group had significantly higher mean noise levels (52.89 ± 6.24 dB vs. 44.57 ± 5.25 dB, P < 0.001). The SAS (51.41 ± 6.37 vs. 48.84 ± 5.23, P = 0.011) and SDS scores (54.16 ± 7.48 vs. 50.31 ± 5.25, P = 0.028) were higher in the high-noise group. Noise levels were positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.682, P < 0.001) and depression (r = 0.659, P < 0.001). The high-noise group had poorer sleep quality (PSQI: 7.21 ± 2.35 vs. 5.19 ± 1.89, P < 0.001) and higher pain scores (VAS: 5.86 ± 1.54 vs. 4.23 ± 1.27, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative noise exposure is significantly associated with increased anxiety, depression, poor sleep and pain in patients with haemophiliac osteoarthropathy. Reducing ward noise may enhance their psychological well-being and postoperative recovery.