Stress associated with hypertension in middle-age and elderly in Binong, Tangerang

Abstract

Introduction: It is widely recognized that stress cannot be eliminated from one's life and that stress may be associated with the prevalence of hypertension, for which the role of stress as a risk factor is being debated in terms of its correlation with hypertension incidence. This study examined the correlation between the stress of the middle-aged and elderly with hypertension. Methods: This study applied a cross-sectional study using purposive sampling to recruit the respondents in Binong Tangerang, Indonesia. A modified questionnaire was used to collect the demographic data, stress, and smoking behavior. Blood pressure examinations were also conducted to identify the level of hypertension. Results: A total of 145 respondents consisted of 79 (54.5%) middle age and 66 (45.5%) elderly were examined. Most of the respondents (82.8%) were female, and half of them were Sundanese (50.3%). Half of the respondents were categorized as pre-hypertension (42.8- 53.1%), where most of the respondents had non-smoking behavior (82%), and half of them were at the level of severe stress (57.2%). There was a significant correlation between respondents’ stress levels and hypertension (p-value < 0.05).  Conclusion: Stress is related to hypertension in middle age and elderly in the Binong community. Therefore, stress management training is needed to promote the quality of life for middle age and elderly with hypertension at Posbindu in the Binong community.