Psychological stress after Covid-19 in hypertensive patients in Madinah: Cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

Background: Corona virus disease 2019 pandemic had a major impact on the general wellbeing of people. Hypertension patients are more liable to psychological stress. This study aims to assess the prevalence of psychological stress in hypertensive patients affected by Covid-19 in Madinah. Methods: Hypertension patients in Al Madinah were invited to participate in an online questionnaire in the period from December 2020 to May 2021. It included the personal data, questions assessing hypertension and psychological health status using the General Health Questionnaire. Results: Total number of participants in our study was 588. 30.8% of participants were mildly distressed and 6.8% were severely distressed. Females are being more at risk of severe distress. Regarding taking prescribed medications there was a significant relationship between groups. Conclusion: The prevalence was found to be 0.376. Hypertensive patients in Al Madinah are at more risk of psychological stress especially females, students, unemployed, and those who are not adherent to their medications. More psychological care should be provided to them in pandemics. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of psychological stress after Covid-19 in hypertensive patients in Madinah.