Abstract
This study examines the psychological, lifestyle and anthropometric
correlates of hypertension. The objective of the study is to find out
whether high level of stress, distress, BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2
) and high WHR
(Waist Hip Ratio), lack of useful level of physical activity, smoking
cigarettes, presence of family history of hypertension, are likely to predict
hypertension. To conduct this study, seventy eight (n = 78) cases with
diagnosis of hypertension, aged between 25 to 60 years and (n = 78)
community matched controls were recruited through purposive sampling
technique. To measure psychological factors; The Perceived Stress Scale
by Cohen, Kamarck, and Mermelstein (1983) and Kessler Psychological
Distress Scale developed by Kessler, Andrews, and Colpe (2002) were
used. Waist Hip Ratio and Body Mass Index were calculated with the
help of height, waist, hip circumference and weight measurements.
Information regarding smoking status and frequency and duration of
physical activity was ascertained. Information sheet was constructed to
gather demographic and medical information. Binary logistic regression
analysis model revealed that women, current smokers and those having a
family history of hypertension were at a risk for hypertension. High level
of distress and absence of four or more hours of physical activity per
week were significant predictors for hypertension. In order to circumvent
certain temporal confounds we propose prospective longitudinal and
interventional studies to be carried out in the future.
Rafia Rafique, Afifa Anjum. (2015) Psychological Stress, Distress, Anthropometric and Lifestyle as Correlates of Hypertension in a Sample of Pakistani Population, Journal of Behavioural Sciences, Volume 25, Issue 2.
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