Evaluation of Psychological Distress, Self-Care, and Medication Adherence in Association with Hypertension Control

Abstract

Background. Most of the patients with hypertension (HTN) who undergo medical therapy unaccompanied by psychological and behavioral interventions may not achieve their goal in HTN treatment. Self-care is a key factor in controlling HTN. Given that depression, stress, and anxiety are the most psychological disorders in chronic illnesses. Their impact on self-care, quality of life, and HTN control must be studied more. Methods. We analyzed the difference in medication adherence in 252 patients with low vs. high psychological distress. Also, patients with controlled and uncontrolled HTN were compared according to their psychological distress scores. We further assessed the relation of psychological distress, self-care, and medication adherence with patients’ demographic characteristics. Results. 61.3% of our participants were female with a mean age of 60.6 ± 11.35 and male participants had a mean age of 60.5 ± 11.55. The psychological distress score was significantly higher in women with uncontrolled HTN ( p value = 0.044). Also, individuals with controlled HTN tend to have a higher medication adherence score ( p value = 0.01) and higher self-care score ( p value = 0.033). Hypertensive females had a higher psychological distress score (3.35 ± 2.05) and a lower self-care score (64.05 ± 8.16). There was a positive relationship between age and drug adherence. The self-care score was higher (65.95 ± 7.88) in patients having lower psychological distress levels. Conclusion. A lower psychological distress score can result in better self-care, enhancing the probability of better HTN control; thus, psychological interventions may be necessary for the treatment of HTN. However, more studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of this intervention.

Ruxolitinib Adherence in Myelofibrosis and Polycythemia Vera: the “RAMP” Italian multicenter prospective study

“…The association between distress and reduced patient self-care including lower medication adherence was observed in other chronic diseases but was never demonstrated in MPNs. This nding may support the importance of integrating psychological support into the management of MPN patients [35].…”

Strict association between development of psychological conditions and hypertension incidence: A cross‐sectional study

“…also designed a study to determine psychological distress, self‐care, and medication adherence on HTN control. They found a negative relationship between psychological distress score, self‐care, and subsequent HTN management 41 . It has been finally highlighted that psychological intervention would be warranted in the HTN therapeutic schedule.…”

“…They found a negative relationship between psychological distress score, self‐care, and subsequent HTN management. 41 It has been finally highlighted that psychological intervention would be warranted in the HTN therapeutic schedule. In this line, Ang and his colleagues recently documented that using a hypertension care cascade accompanied by mental health interventions would substantially aid in providing mental health support to hypertensive patients.…”

“…Data are presented as n (%).b Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for patients' demographics, sleep duration, sleep disorder, and spontaneous crying with analysis of covariance (after logarithmic transformation). and subsequent HTN management 41. It has been finally highlighted that psychological intervention would be warranted in the HTN therapeutic schedule.…”

Exploring factors related to heart attack complicated with hypertension using a Bayesian network model: a study based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

“…This relationship emphasizes the importance of considering psychological factors when assessing cardiovascular risk. Addressing a patient’s mental health and well-being can help manage the risk of HAH by reducing stress-induced physiological responses ( 39 ). This finding highlights the significance of individuals’ perception of their own health status in relation to HAH.…”