Effect of Stress-Management on Individuals having untreated essential hypertension

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the effect of stress management sessions on individuals having hypertension. It was achieved through evaluating individuals' level of hypertension and level of the event stress. The study was conducted in faculty of nursing Ain shams university. A quasi experimental design was used. A convenience sample of 30 employees was selected from those who are suffering from essential hypertension, but did not start medical treatment. Their age ranged from 25 to 60 years old. A structured interview questionnaire sheet was used to collect data from patients. It included questions related to demographic data, medical and family history. The second tool was a stress scale to measure the client's level of stress. A sheet for each client was used to record the level of blood pressure at various follow-up visits. A booklet and counseling sessions were used for teaching and training patients in stress management strategies. The booklet was developed by the researchers and was distributed as a handout for the clients. The findings of the study revealed that stress management strategy was effective in decreasing the level of systolic and diastolic blood pressure for more than half of the study sample. There were statistically significant relations between mean change in systolic blood pressure and level of stress, but not with diastolic blood pressure as a result of the stress management strategy. Also, there was a statistically significant relation between the client's role in the family and the type of caregiver and the change in the mean of the client's blood pressure after application of stress management. Important implications regarding treatment of hypertension and other unexplained medical conditions with a suspected mind/body link were drawn. Health education for clients about stress management strategies is recommended to avoid and manage hypertension.