The Effects of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Levels on Quality of Life of Individuals with Hypertension

Abstract

Introduction: This study was planned to determine the effects of depression, anxiety and stress levels of individuals with hypertension on their quality of life. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 161 hypertension patients who presented to the emergency department of a district state hospital affiliated to Samsun Provincial Health Directorate and volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected with the Descriptive Information Form, SF-12 (Quality of Life Scale Short Form), and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21) through face-to-face interviews. Results: The mean age of the patients participating in the study was 62.3±14.3 years. The mean scores they obtained from the depression, anxiety and stress sub-dimensions of the DASS-21 were 9.1±4.4, 7.8±4.3 and 9.8±4.0, respectively. The mean scores they obtained from the Physical Component Summary-12 (PCS-12) and Mental Component Summary-12 (MCS-12) of the SF-12 were 39.7±9.1 and 38.3±8.9, respectively. While the depression and anxiety levels were higher in the female participants, the level of the quality of life was higher in the male participants. As the participants’ age increased, their depression, anxiety and stress levels increased, and the quality-of-life levels decreased. In the participants who exercised while depression, anxiety and stress levels were lower, the level of quality of life was higher. Conclusion: In this study, depression and anxiety levels are higher in women and lower in married couples. Higher education level has a positive effect on depression, anxiety, stress and quality of life. Individuals who do not have chronic diseases and exercise have low levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.