Study on depression and anxiety conditions of the elderly hypertensive patients in a community in Beijing

Abstract

Objective To discuss the depression and anxiety conditions of elderly hypertensive patients in a community in Beijing, and provide basis for well social supports and responsive nursing. Methods Test the 520 elderly hypertensive patients (270 in hypertension group and 250 in control group) by self-designed questionnaire, self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS). The data was compare between the two groups. Results Depression and anxiety rate in hypertensive group were 18.1% and 12.5%,and were higher than control group (P＜0. 01); the score and standard score of the SDS and SAS in group of hypertensive patients were significantly higher than in healthy control group[(28.56±9.21)vs (20.42 ± 6.67)and t = 1.92 for SAS, P＜0.01 for both SAS and SDS]; the social suppot score in hypertension group was in the range of 24 - 42, and average score was (30.45 ± 6. 32), and (35.57 ± 4.75) in control group, the difference was significant (t = - 2. 55, P ＜ 0. 01); multiple factor analysis showed that depression and anxiety may be a risk factor of hypertension; anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with social support (r = - 0. 112, and - 0. 135, respectively, P ＜ 0. 01). Conclusions Hypertension was related to depression and anxiety. Concerning about the condition of patients with depression and anxiety, providing a good social support and taking the appropriate care measures can help prevent and treat hypertension. Key words: Hypertension; Depression; Anxiety