The intensity of stress in patients with hypertension and its relationship to self-control of patients’ treatment

Abstract

Background The incidence of hypertension is significantly associated with the civilization development degree and exposure to stress stimuli. Exposure to stress contributes to the onset of high blood pressure in some people. However, the question if the level of stress experienced by patients with hypertension is associated with the ability to effectively control the disease — is the subject of research.

Aim of the study was to assessment of severity of the experienced stress in patients with hypertension and its relation to self-monitoring of patients’ treatment.

Material and methods The study used a method of diagnostic survey with a questionnaire technique, anthropometric measurements, and analysis of medical records and assessment of nicotine dependence by Fagerström test. To assess the level of stress, PSS-10 scale (scale of experienced stress) was used. The research material was collected in 2011 at the clinic of cardiology and out patients department of Clinical Teaching Hospital No. 4 in Lublin. Participation in the study was anonymous and voluntary.

Results The study group consisted of 100 patients with diagnosed and treated hypertension on average for 7.8 years, SD ± 5.6. The majority of respondents (67%) say that they took drugs prescribed by the doctoral ways according to indications. The average perceived stress scale score was 6.27, SD ± 1.43. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the distribution of the results of stress perception scale depending on age, gender, education and place of residence.

Conclusions In all age groups, the dominance of average level of stress intensity was observed, and a significant relationship between the severity of experienced stress and taking prescription drugs in the studied age group above 60 years of age, was demonstrated.