LEVELS OF ANXIETY AND ANGER IN HYPERTENSIVE INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION and OBJECTIVE
Hypertension is one of the most important problems, because of its risk of high morbidity and
mortality. A growing body of evidence supports the thesis that psychosocial factors play a role in
the pathogenesis for hypertension. This study was made as descriptively to determine
levels of anxiety and anger in hypertensive individuals.
MATERIAL and METHODS
This study included all patients with hypertension who attended a hospital hypertension clinic.
Questionnaire form was distributed among 203 patients (150women and 53 men) aged from 23 to
85 years (X= 60.88 ± 14.74 years). All subjects provided socio-demographic data form (status of
education, age, sex, family type, blood pressure value), Anxiety (State and Trait Anxiety Scale) and
Anger Scale. In the evaluating of the data percentage and statistical tests were used.
RESULTS:
When average score of the patients with hypertension as regards trait and state anxiety were
examined, it was found out that state scores of the patients were near to the normal and that those of trait
anxiety indicated moderete anxiety. When average score of the patients with hypertension as regard trait
anger was examined, trait anger was moderate. While the distinction between anger and state anxiety scores
according to the sex of the patıents were not detected, constant anxiety scores were found higher in the
women than in the men (t=-2.553±P<0.01). According to type of family, there was no significant distinction
between the scores of Anger, Trait-State Anxiety . According to education level, While there was nosignificant distinction between Anger and State Anxiety scores, Trait Anxiety score was found higher in
primary school graduates (P<0.05). There was no correlation between age, blood pressure and scales.
CONCLUSION: The educational program was organized and applied by nurses to group of hypertensive
individuals who improved knowledge as possible concerning hypertension and its consequences.
Improvement of educational programs will be useful to decrease the anxiety