Prevalence of Psychological Stress and Associated Risk Factors Among Hypertensive Patients in Jordan: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Hypertension is considered one of the chronic illnesses that affect many individuals across the globe. It has been evident that stress is associated with hypertension. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of stress among hypertensive men as well as determine the risk factors causing psychological stress in Jordan. This study used a descriptive correlation cross-sectional design. The researchers recruited 200 patients with hypertension from six hospitals located in the central part of Jordan. Data was collected from the participants through self report questionnaire. The study results revealed that the total scores of perceived stress among the study participants ranged from 4 to 42 (M= 18.17; SD= 8.18). Almost half of the study participants (40%) perceived normal level of stress (0 ≤ total stress subscale ≤ 14). The findings showed that gender (t = -1.99, B = -2.90, p = 0.048), educational Level (t = -2.39, B = -2.39, p = 0.02), health Status (t = 3.08, B = 1.67, p = 0.002), and sleep (t =2.45, B = 3.22, p = 0.02) were the significant predictors of stress among Jordanian patients with hypertension. This study contributed to the existing body of knowledge and can be considered as a baseline for future researcher in the area of stress. The health care providers in various medical departments should make effort to provide optimal care for patients with hypertension that directed toward decreasing the level of stress.