New aspects of investigating stress, anxiety, and depression in the Ryazan region population with arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is often accompanied by stress, anxiety, and depression that worsen the quality of life and prognosis of the disease. Global data on high anxiety and depression highlight the need to assess them in people with hypertension. This study in the Ryazan region will reveal the social and economic impact on the mental health of hypertensive patients. AIM: To assess the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression among hypertensive patients in the Ryazan Region, as well as their relationship with social and economic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included 453 patients (284 women [62.7%] and 169 men [37.3%]) with confirmed arterial hypertension. Questionnaire survey included social and demographic characteristics and economic conditions. To measure stress effects, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to evaluate anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Levels of stress, anxiety, and depression are higher in women compared to men (15.5 (11–20), 6 (4–9), and 5 (3–8) vs. 13 (9–17), 4 (2–7), and 4 (2–7), respectively; р 0.001, р 0.001, and р=0.002). Lonely people have higher levels of stress 16 (12–20), anxiety 6 (4–9), and depression 6 (3–9) compared to those living with their families (р=0.004, р=0.026, and р 0.001, respectively). Levels of stress, anxiety, and depression are statistically higher in people without high school or higher education than in those with such education. Levels of stress did not depend on employment compared to anxiety (5 (3–8) in employed and 6 (4–9,75) in unemployed people; р 0.001) and depression (5 (2–7) and 6 (3–9) respectively; р=0.001), which were higher in unemployed people. CONCLUSION: Female gender, marital status, and low education are the factors contributing to increased stress, anxiety, and depression in patients with hypertension in the Ryazan region.