Effect of Relaxation Techniques in Controlling Anxiety among Patients with Essential Hypertension

Abstract

Essential hypertension is the most prevalent type of hypertension. It increases progressively with age. Aim of study: Was to assess the effect of relaxation technique "Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)" in controlling anxiety among patients with essential hypertension. Design: A quasi-experimental study design was utilized. Setting: It was conducted on 40 patients with essential hypertension in the out-patient clinic of medical diseases - Ain Shams University Hospital. Tools: 1) A Structured Interview Questionnaire (SIQ): That was designed by the researchers based on recent local and international related literatures and articles, it was include, the socio-demographic data of the studied sample which are; age, sex, marital status, etc., it was also include the medical history and duration of illness, body mass index, blood pressure control and previous attendance of any courses or programs regarding relaxation techniques. 2) Patient Knowledge Questionnaire (PKQ): It was developed by the researchers to assess patients' knowledge about relaxation techniques. 3) Taylor Anxiety Scale: It was designed by Janet Taylor (1953) to assess level of anxiety. Results: There are highly statistically significant differences were found between pre and post training of relaxation techniques regarding the relationship between' level of anxiety and total knowledge of the patients. Conclusion: The implementation of relaxation techniques had a positive effect on anxiety and blood pressure of patients with essential hypertension. Recommendation: - Further research is required to study the effect of implementing the developed self-care guide on such a group of the hypertensive patients.