Railway noise and diabetes among residents living close to the railways in Västra Götaland, Sweden: Cross-sectional mediation analysis on obesity indicators

Railway noise is expected to increase in Europe and Sweden as well, following recommendations for a more sustainable transportation mode. This forecasted increase might lead to higher level of noise exposure, higher population exposure and potentially increased night-time exposure. Evidence supports an effect of transportation noise on several health outcomes, including metabolic conditions such as diabetes. However, few studies were directed to railway noise; present studies on railway noise and diabetes so far show ambiguous results while some studies report an association between railway noise and obesity. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between railway noise and diabetes prevalence and to assess whether obesity might be a mediator in this association. The study population (N = 5381) was randomly selected from residents living within 1 km of a trafficked railway in Västra Götaland, Sweden. Survey data was combined with modelled exposures and health register data (ICD10 codes for diabetes). The study uses a cross sectional design, logistic regression analysis and a counterfactual mediation analysis. We found an increase in the prevalence of diabetes associated with the exposure to railway noise: OR = 1.33 per 10 dB increase Lden (95% CI 1.09–1.63) accounting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. BMI and waist circumference partially mediate the association between railway noise and diabetes. This is the first study to report an association between railway noise and diabetes in Sweden. BMI and waist circumference seem to be a potential mediators in this association. Still, future studies should further explore the mechanisms from noise to diabetes, considering different pathways in relation to obesity but also exploring other potential mediators.