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Chapman KJ, Scott H, Rydon-Grange M. Individual factors as predictors of secondary traumatic stress and burnout in forensic inpatient staff. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38924188 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.13079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is the indirect traumatisation of a person through the stress of helping or knowing about other's trauma. Burnout is gradual exhaustion in response to long-term work-related stress. Both have negative psychological, physiological and/or organisational consequences; however, the existing research in forensic health care professionals (FHCPs) is limited. One study explored STS in FCHPs and found that lower psychological flexibility (ability to adapt) was a predictor of greater STS. Existing research on burnout in FHCPs suggests that individual differences, such as the ways in which we cope (talking to people vs. using substances), may predict burnout levels. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE Prevalence findings add to the recent evidence base, which also found moderate levels of burnout. However, this study is the first to find high levels of secondary traumatic stress in FHCPs. Similar to existing literature, the study's findings suggest that FHCP's with lower levels of psychological flexibility and more maladaptive coping strategies may experience greater STS and burnout symptoms, while staff who use more adaptive coping strategies may experience less burn-out. Unexpectedly, staff who reported a more anxious attachment style were burnt-out; however, there are limitations to this finding. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Policies and practices in forensic settings should reflect the risk of STS and burnout. Practices or interventions should enhance adaptive coping strategies and psychological flexibility, such as Resilience Enhancement Programmes or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Secondary traumatic stress (STS) and burnout literature in inpatient forensic health care professionals (FHCPs) is limited, despite the psychological, physiological and organisational consequences. AIMS This study aimed to further this limited evidence base, investigating predictors of STS and burnout in FHCPs. METHOD 98 healthcare professionals working in two UK forensic inpatient settings completed measures assessing: burnout, STS, psychological flexibility, coping style, attachment style and a demographic questionnaire recording length of service and the sex of staff. RESULTS Results indicated high STS and moderate burnout levels. The main predictors of STS and burnout were poorer psychological flexibility and greater maladaptive coping styles, whereas lower burnout was predicted by greater adaptive coping styles and an anxious attachment style. DISCUSSION This study has contributed towards a limited evidence base and indicates poorer psychological flexibility and greater maladaptive coping may be risk factors for STS and burnout in FHCPs, whereas greater maladaptive coping may be a protective factor. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE The findings suggest that interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and coping skills interventions, may offer protective benefits to inpatient forensic healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen Scott
- Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
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Marselli G, Favieri F, Forte G, Corbo I, Agostini F, Guarino A, Casagrande M. The protective role of cognitive reserve: an empirical study in mild cognitive impairment. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:334. [PMID: 38849930 PMCID: PMC11157959 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01831-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) describes an aging profile characterized by a cognitive decline that is worse than expected in normal aging but less pervasive and critical than full-blown dementia. In the absence of an effective treatment strategy, it is important to identify factors that can protect against progression to dementia. In this field, it is hypothesized that one aspect that may be a protective factor against the neurotypical outcome of dementia is cognitive reserve (CR). Cognitive reserve is the ability to maintain cognitive functionality despite accumulating brain pathology. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to identify and analyze the differences in CR between healthy adults and patients with MCI. Specifically, it is hypothesized that (i) healthy older adult people have higher CR than older adult people diagnosed with MCI, and (II) CR could predict the classification of subjects into people with or without MCI. METHODS Two hundred forty-three adults (mean age = 60.4, SD = 7.4) participated in the present study and were classified into three groups based on Petersen's MCI criteria: healthy controls (HC), amnestic MCI (aMCI), and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI). The Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq) was administered to assess the level of CR, FINDINGS: Results showed that HC had significantly higher CR scores than participants diagnosed with aMCI and naMCI. Moreover, a binomial logistic regression suggested that low CR was a significant risk factor for the MCI diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The clinical picture that emerged from the results showed that lower CR could be considered a characteristic of pathological aging, such as MCI.Public significance statement, Since the brain attempts to cope with life-related changes or pathologies, it is fundamental for both clinicians and researchers to investigate further the factors that contribute to brain resilience. As an indirect expression of brain reserve, cognitive reserve may be both a marker and a predictor of adaptive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Marselli
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Favieri
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, Rome, 00184, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, Rome, 00184, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corbo
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Casagrande
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, Rome, 00184, Italy.
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Novick TK, Custer J, Zonderman AB, Evans MK, Hladek M, Kuczmarski M, Rathouz PJ, Crews DC. Coping Behaviors and Incident Kidney Disease. KIDNEY360 2023; 4:1072-1079. [PMID: 37332108 PMCID: PMC10476686 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000000000000179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Key Points Adaptive coping behaviors are associated with lower odds of incident CKD. Coping behaviors could represent a target to prevent CKD. Background How someone copes may alter the trajectory of their kidney function. We aimed to evaluate whether coping behaviors were associated with incident CKD or rapid kidney function decline. Methods We used data from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study (Baltimore, MD) for this longitudinal analysis. Adaptive and maladaptive coping behavioral constructs were measured using the Brief COPE Inventory at visit 1. We used multiple logistic regression to assess the odds of incident CKD and rapid kidney function decline per point increase in coping scales and adjusted for baseline demographics and clinical variables. Results Of 1935 participants, mean age was 48 years, 44% were male, 56% were Black persons, and baseline mean (SD) eGFR was 91 (16) ml/min per 1.73 m2. After a median of 8.2 years, 113 participants developed incident CKD and 341 had rapid kidney function decline. Compared with those who reported they usually did not use adaptive coping behaviors at all (such as emotional support), those with the highest use of adaptive coping had lower odds of incident CKD. Every 1-unit increase in adaptive coping corresponded with a 2% lower adjusted odds of incident CKD (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.95 to 0.99). There was no association between maladaptive coping behaviors and incident CKD. Coping behaviors were not associated with rapid kidney function decline. Conclusions Adaptive coping behaviors were associated with lower odds of incident CKD and could represent a target to facilitate CKD prevention. The role of medical care in this association is an area worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa K. Novick
- Division of Nephrology, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas
| | - James Custer
- Biomedical Data Science Hub, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Alan B. Zonderman
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michele K. Evans
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Marie Kuczmarski
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Paul J. Rathouz
- Biomedical Data Science Hub, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Deidra C. Crews
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Puchner E, Platzer M, Dalkner N, Schwalsberger K, Lenger M, Fellendorf FT, Unterrainer HF, Schwerdtfeger A, Reininghaus B, Reininghaus EZ. Effects of Metabolic Syndrome and Sex on Stress Coping Strategies in Individuals with Depressive Disorder. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13050652. [PMID: 37233693 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13050652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is related to depression and contributes to reduced life expectancy in individuals with mental disorders. Stress coping strategies are important factors in the development and maintenance of depressive disorders and have been related to metabolic disturbances. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in the use of positive (re- and devaluation, distraction, and control) and negative stress coping strategies in relation to patients' MetS. A sample of 363 individuals (n female = 204, n male = 159) with a diagnosis of depression was measured with the Stress Coping Style Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory. In addition, we collected data on MetS (waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, fasting glucose/diabetes, blood pressure/hypertonia) according to the International Diabetes Federation. A 2 × 2 design including Mets (with vs. without) and sex (female vs. male) was performed to test for differences in stress coping strategies. Individuals with depression and MetS scored higher on distraction strategies than depressed individuals without MetS (p < 0.01, corrected with false discovery rate). In addition, we found sex differences in stress coping strategies indicating that women with depression scored higher on distraction strategies (p < 0.001, FDR corrected), as well as negative strategies (p < 0.001, FDR corrected), than men. No significant interaction between MetS and sex was found regarding the higher value of stress coping strategies. Findings suggest that individuals with depression and MetS used distraction strategies to a higher amount to cope with stress, which could be stress eating in some cases, than those without MetS. Women with depressive disorders had higher values than men on other coping strategies in our sample of individuals with depression. A better understanding of MetS and sex-specific differences in stress coping strategies might help to plan more effective preventive strategies and personalized treatment options for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Puchner
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Martina Platzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Nina Dalkner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Karin Schwalsberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Melanie Lenger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Frederike T Fellendorf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Human-Friedrich Unterrainer
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
- Institute of Religious Studies, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria
- Center for Integrative Addiction Research (CIAR), Grüner Kreis Society, 1110 Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University, 1020 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Bernd Reininghaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Eva Z Reininghaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
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Yaghoubi B, Nemati R, Agin K, Beigi Dehaghi AM, Gazmeh M, Rezaei F, Amirbandi E, Farhadi A. Mediating role of coping styles on the relationship between personality types and mental disorders in cardiovascular patients: a cross-sectional study in Iran. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:236. [PMID: 37029344 PMCID: PMC10080519 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04742-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many mental problems lead to the occurrence of physical diseases, causing worse consequences of diseases. Despite many studies in the field of personality types and types of mental disorders, this relationship and the mediating role of coping styles in cardiovascular patients are still not well known. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the mediating role of coping styles in the relationship between personality types and mental disorders in cardiovascular patients. METHOD The present study is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 114 cardiovascular patients at the heart center in Bushehr, Iran. The sampling method is simple random sampling. Demographic information form, MCMI-III questionnaire, NEO-FFI questionnaire, and Lazarus and Folkman coping styles questionnaire were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 and Amos 24 software. Descriptive statistics methods (mean, variance and percentage), Pearson correlation, and structural equation model (SEM) were applied to analyze the data. RESULTS The findings showed that the two variables of personality types and problem-oriented explain 15.2% of the variable of mental disorders, of which 10.7% is related to the variable of personality types and 4.5% is related to the intermediate variable of problem-oriented. Among the personality types, the neurotic personality type has the biggest role (0.632) and has a direct and significant effect on mental disorders. Also, the personality types of extroversion (-0.460), agreeableness (-0.312), and responsibility (-0.986) exert inverse and significant effects on mental disorders. CONCLUSION The results of the present study showed the frequency of personality disorders and other mental disorders among heart patients. Problem-oriented coping style plays a mediating role between personality types and mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Yaghoubi
- Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Nemati
- Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
| | - Khosrow Agin
- Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Meysam Gazmeh
- Heart Center Hospital, Bushehr University of Medical Science, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Farshad Rezaei
- Heart Center Hospital, Bushehr University of Medical Science, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Elham Amirbandi
- Mehr Borazjan Hospital, Social Security Organization, Borazjan, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Akram Farhadi
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
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Batayeh B, Shelton R, Factor-Litvak P, Link BG, Suglia SF. Racial Disparities in Avoidant Coping and Hypertension Among Midlife Adults. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:410-417. [PMID: 35040108 PMCID: PMC9346605 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01232-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
While associations between stress and hypertension have been documented, little research has examined the association between coping and hypertension, especially in the context of understanding racial disparities. Utilizing data from the CHDS-DISPAR study, we examine the association between avoidant coping and hypertension among adults age 50 while assessing for potential differences across (1) coping in response to the general stress and discrimination and (2) African American and White racial groups. Coping was measured using a 9-item scale with an avoidant coping subscale (e.g., drinking alcohol). Mean avoidance coping scores were calculated for both general stress and discrimination. No racial differences in avoidant coping were found. Within our sample (n = 414), there was a high burden of hypertension among African American respondents compared to White respondents (50.3% vs. 22.6%). Models assessed associations between avoidant coping and hypertension adjusted for sociodemographic factors, obesity, and either experience of stress or discrimination depending on the coping domain examined. Avoidant coping in response to the general stress and discrimination was associated with increased hypertension among White respondents (PR: 1.63 [95%CI 1.01, 2.24]; PR: 1.69 [95%CI 1.12, 2.26], respectively) and no associations among African American respondents (PR: 0.83 [95%CI 0.57, 1.09]; PR: 0.82 [95%CI 0.52, 1.12], respectively). This research suggests that racial disparities in hypertension may not be attributable to individual-level coping behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Batayeh
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Rachel Shelton
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Bruce G Link
- Department of Sociology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Shakira F Suglia
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Corbo I, Forte G, Favieri F, Casagrande M. Poor Sleep Quality in Aging: The Association with Mental Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20031661. [PMID: 36767029 PMCID: PMC9914898 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are common in the elderly. A primary sleep disorder can result from the physiological decline of aging; however, secondary sleep problems result from various causes involving physical and mental health. Since little is known about the relationships between sleep quality and mental health in aging, the present study aims to understand how different aspects generally associated with sleep (e.g., psychological and physiological factors, and sleep medication) may predict poor sleep quality in different stages of the lifespan. Therefore, we conducted several analyses (ANOVAs, Pearson correlations, and linear regressions) to test the hypotheses of the study. Accordingly, from a pool of 180 participants (elderly, middle-aged, and young adults), 143 individuals with poor sleep quality were selected. Different predictive patterns in the three groups emerged. Specifically, the use of sleep medication associated with worse sleep conditions is predicted by poor sleep quality in the elderly and by depression in young adults. In contrast, worsening sleep quality is predicted by depression in middle-aged adults. Previous studies focused on the transitions from good to poor sleep quality, while this is the first study to have examined the features of poor sleep quality in aging, highlighting different sleep patterns across the lifespan. This evidence should be considered from a preventive perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Corbo
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Body and Action Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Favieri
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Body and Action Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Casagrande
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.C.); (M.C.)
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Boima V, Yorke E, Ganu V, Gyaban-Mensah A, Ekem-Ferguson G, Kretchy IA, Mate-Kole CC. Coping strategies and resilience among patients with hypertension in Ghana. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1038346. [PMID: 36687852 PMCID: PMC9845887 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1038346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hypertension is associated with high morbidity and mortality and this has been linked to poor treatment and control rates. To optimize drug treatment, patient-centered strategies such as coping, resilience, and adherence to medication may improve control rates and decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension. This study, therefore, assessed coping skills and resilience among patients with hypertension in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. 224 consented patients with a diagnosis of hypertension were consecutively selected from the outpatient clinic. Questionnaires comprising socio-demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, Adult Resilience Measure, and the Africultural Coping Systems Inventory were administered. Data were analyzed using Stata version 16.1 and significance level was set at p-value of ≤ 0.05. Results The mean age of participants was 62.03 ± 11.40 years and the majority were female (63%). The overall coping strategy mean score was 43.13 ± 13.57. For resilience, median relational and personal resilience (PR) scores were 32 (IQR-7) and 39 (IQR-9), respectively. Increased systolic BP significantly increases the overall coping strategy score. Collective coping strategy and systolic BP significantly increased coping scores (95%CI = 0.05-3.69 vs. 95%CI = 0.58-5.31). Overall coping strategy significantly increased personal and relational resilience (RR) domain scores by 0.004 (95%CI = 0.002-0.01) and 0.005 (95%CI = 0.003-0.006) units, respectively. This study demonstrated that Cognitive and emotional debriefing coping strategy was mostly used by patients with hypertension. Conclusion Coping strategies had a positive and significant correlation with personal and RR, specifically collective and cognitive debriefing had a significant positive association with resilience among study participants. There is a need to actively put in measures that can improve the coping strategies and resilience among patients with hypertension to adjust to the long-term nature of the illness and treatment as this will promote better treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Boima
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ernest Yorke
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vincent Ganu
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anna Gyaban-Mensah
- Department of Psychology/Center for Ageing Studies, College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Irene Akwo Kretchy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Charles Christopher Mate-Kole
- Department of Psychology/Center for Ageing Studies, College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Psychiatry, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle-Bu, Ghana
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Predictors of Nonadherence to Medications among Hypertensive Patients in Ghana: An Application of the Health Belief Model. Int J Hypertens 2022; 2022:1418149. [PMID: 36059589 PMCID: PMC9433278 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1418149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Hypertension (HPT) is recognized as a significant public health problem worldwide from a health and economic perspective. This study determined predictors of nonadherence to HPT medications in Ghana using the health belief model. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive survey employing a quantitative approach was conducted among HPT patients who routinely attend clinics at selected hospitals in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. Respondents (n = 399) were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. Results. The prevalence of nonadherence was 63.7% (n = 254). Nonadherence to hypertension medication was associated with lower education status (
). In logistic regression analysis, patients with high “perceived susceptibility” and “perceived severity” were more likely to forfeit their HPT medication schedules, while patients with high “perceived barriers” and “cues to action” were less likely to skip their medication. Conclusion. The present study suggests a plausible path to improving medication adherence in this population. Given the high prevalence of nonadherence, policymakers need to urgently design tailor-made health promotion interventions to ensure optimal health outcomes.
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Mental and Body Health: The Association between Psychological Factors, Overweight, and Blood Pressure in Young Adults. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071999. [PMID: 35407607 PMCID: PMC8999355 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Comorbidity between cardiometabolic risk factors and major mental health disorders is a public health concern. The close interconnection between the mental and physical aspects of health precludes considering each condition separately. Accordingly, this study sought to explore the interrelationships between psychological factors, overweight, and blood pressure in young adults. One hundred and forty-five young adults participated in the study and were classified according to two independent characteristics: weight condition (normal weight, overweight) and blood pressure (low blood pressure, high blood pressure). Anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation were assessed. The results confirmed certain associations, highlighting how cardiometabolic risk factors, such as blood pressure and body mass index, were associated in different ways with mental health, although an interaction between the variables was not reported. In particular, a relationship between body mass index and depression and between anxiety and blood pressure was detected.
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Onor IO, Hill LM, Famodimu MM, Coleman MR, Huynh CH, Beyl RA, Payne CJ, Johnston EK, Okogbaa JI, Gillard CJ, Sarpong DF, Borghol A, Okpechi SC, Norbert I, Sanne SE, Guillory SG. Association of Serum Magnesium with Blood Pressure in Patients with Hypertensive Crises: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2021; 13:4213. [PMID: 34959763 PMCID: PMC8709166 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of magnesium in blood pressure has been studied among hypertensive patients; however, there is a dearth of studies exploring the role of magnesium in hypertensive crises. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum magnesium and blood pressure in patients with hypertensive crises. This was a single-center, retrospective, chart review, cross-sectional study of patients with hypertensive crises. Patients were included if they were eighteen years of age or older, with an international classification disease ninth revision (ICD-9) code of 401.9 (hypertensive crises: emergency or urgency) and a documented magnesium level on their electronic medical record. The primary outcome of the study was the correlation between serum magnesium and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure) in patients with hypertensive crises. Two hundred and ninety-three patients were included in the study. The primary outcome result showed that serum magnesium was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.143, p = 0.014), but not diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: This study found a significant positive association between magnesium and systolic blood pressure, but not diastolic blood pressure, among patients with hypertensive crises. This positive association of serum magnesium with systolic blood pressure was maintained after adjusting for covariates. This study's findings suggest a potential role of magnesium in blood pressure among patients with hypertensive crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- IfeanyiChukwu O. Onor
- CardioRenal Research Group (CRRG), College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (L.M.H.); (M.M.F.); (M.R.C.); (C.H.H.); (C.J.P.); (E.K.J.); (J.I.O.); (C.J.G.); (D.F.S.); (A.B.); (I.N.)
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, 1542 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.E.S.); (S.G.G.)
- Department of Pharmacy, University Medical Center New Orleans, 2000 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Lashira M. Hill
- CardioRenal Research Group (CRRG), College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (L.M.H.); (M.M.F.); (M.R.C.); (C.H.H.); (C.J.P.); (E.K.J.); (J.I.O.); (C.J.G.); (D.F.S.); (A.B.); (I.N.)
| | - Modupe M. Famodimu
- CardioRenal Research Group (CRRG), College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (L.M.H.); (M.M.F.); (M.R.C.); (C.H.H.); (C.J.P.); (E.K.J.); (J.I.O.); (C.J.G.); (D.F.S.); (A.B.); (I.N.)
| | - Mallory R. Coleman
- CardioRenal Research Group (CRRG), College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (L.M.H.); (M.M.F.); (M.R.C.); (C.H.H.); (C.J.P.); (E.K.J.); (J.I.O.); (C.J.G.); (D.F.S.); (A.B.); (I.N.)
| | - Carolkim H. Huynh
- CardioRenal Research Group (CRRG), College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (L.M.H.); (M.M.F.); (M.R.C.); (C.H.H.); (C.J.P.); (E.K.J.); (J.I.O.); (C.J.G.); (D.F.S.); (A.B.); (I.N.)
| | - Robbie A. Beyl
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA;
| | - Casey J. Payne
- CardioRenal Research Group (CRRG), College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (L.M.H.); (M.M.F.); (M.R.C.); (C.H.H.); (C.J.P.); (E.K.J.); (J.I.O.); (C.J.G.); (D.F.S.); (A.B.); (I.N.)
| | - Emily K. Johnston
- CardioRenal Research Group (CRRG), College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (L.M.H.); (M.M.F.); (M.R.C.); (C.H.H.); (C.J.P.); (E.K.J.); (J.I.O.); (C.J.G.); (D.F.S.); (A.B.); (I.N.)
| | - John I. Okogbaa
- CardioRenal Research Group (CRRG), College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (L.M.H.); (M.M.F.); (M.R.C.); (C.H.H.); (C.J.P.); (E.K.J.); (J.I.O.); (C.J.G.); (D.F.S.); (A.B.); (I.N.)
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, 1542 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.E.S.); (S.G.G.)
| | - Christopher J. Gillard
- CardioRenal Research Group (CRRG), College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (L.M.H.); (M.M.F.); (M.R.C.); (C.H.H.); (C.J.P.); (E.K.J.); (J.I.O.); (C.J.G.); (D.F.S.); (A.B.); (I.N.)
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, 1542 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.E.S.); (S.G.G.)
- Department of Pharmacy, University Medical Center New Orleans, 2000 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Daniel F. Sarpong
- CardioRenal Research Group (CRRG), College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (L.M.H.); (M.M.F.); (M.R.C.); (C.H.H.); (C.J.P.); (E.K.J.); (J.I.O.); (C.J.G.); (D.F.S.); (A.B.); (I.N.)
- Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Amne Borghol
- CardioRenal Research Group (CRRG), College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (L.M.H.); (M.M.F.); (M.R.C.); (C.H.H.); (C.J.P.); (E.K.J.); (J.I.O.); (C.J.G.); (D.F.S.); (A.B.); (I.N.)
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, 1542 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.E.S.); (S.G.G.)
- Department of Pharmacy, University Medical Center New Orleans, 2000 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Samuel C. Okpechi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine and Health Sciences Center, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Ifeyinwa Norbert
- CardioRenal Research Group (CRRG), College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (L.M.H.); (M.M.F.); (M.R.C.); (C.H.H.); (C.J.P.); (E.K.J.); (J.I.O.); (C.J.G.); (D.F.S.); (A.B.); (I.N.)
| | - Shane E. Sanne
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, 1542 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.E.S.); (S.G.G.)
| | - Shane G. Guillory
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, 1542 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.E.S.); (S.G.G.)
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12
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Casagrande M, Forte G, Favieri F, Agostini F, Giovannoli J, Arcari L, Passaseo I, Semeraro R, Camastra G, Langher V, Pazzaglia M, Cacciotti L. The Broken Heart: The Role of Life Events in Takotsubo Syndrome. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4940. [PMID: 34768460 PMCID: PMC8585024 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The onset of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as stress cardiomyopathy, is thought to be associated with some life events. This study focuses on clarifying life event characteristics and the role of triggers in the onset of TTS. Participants with TTS (n = 54) were compared to those with acute myocardial infarction (AMI; n = 52) and healthy individuals (n = 54). Using a modified version of the Interview for Recent Life Events, information about general life events perceived as stressful and triggers preceding the onset of a cardiac syndrome was collected. The assessment included the impact of these events as indicated by the participants and estimated by the interviewer; finally, the objective impact was considered. Although the number of events and the objective impact did not differ among the groups, patients with TTS reported a more negative perceived impact. Moreover, 61% of these patients objectively and subjectively reported a more stressful trigger before the onset of the disease (in the 24 h preceding the cardiac event) than those reported by patients with AMI. The dynamic between life events and individual responses could help differentiate TTS from other cardiovascular events, such as AMI. This study suggests that patients' perception of some life events (whether triggers or general life events) could represent a possible marker of TTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Casagrande
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Dinamica, Clinica e Salute, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Forte
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.F.); (F.F.); (F.A.); (J.G.); (M.P.)
- Body and Action Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Favieri
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.F.); (F.F.); (F.A.); (J.G.); (M.P.)
- Body and Action Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Agostini
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.F.); (F.F.); (F.A.); (J.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Jasmine Giovannoli
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.F.); (F.F.); (F.A.); (J.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Luca Arcari
- UOC di Cardiologia, Ospedale M.G. Vannini, 00189 Roma, Italy; (L.A.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Ilaria Passaseo
- Divisione di Cardiologia, Policlinico Casilino, Via Casilina, 00169 Roma, Italy;
| | - Raffaella Semeraro
- UOC di Cardiologia, Ospedale M.G. Vannini, 00189 Roma, Italy; (L.A.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Giovanni Camastra
- UOC di Cardiologia, Ospedale M.G. Vannini, 00189 Roma, Italy; (L.A.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Viviana Langher
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Dinamica, Clinica e Salute, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Mariella Pazzaglia
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.F.); (F.F.); (F.A.); (J.G.); (M.P.)
- Body and Action Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Cacciotti
- UOC di Cardiologia, Ospedale M.G. Vannini, 00189 Roma, Italy; (L.A.); (R.S.); (G.C.); (L.C.)
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13
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Prevalence and Risk Factors for Cognitive Frailty in Aging Hypertensive Patients in China. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11081018. [PMID: 34439637 PMCID: PMC8393928 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases and a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Cognitive frailty is an important predictor of all-cause mortality and dementia in aging individuals. Hypertension is closely related to cognitive frailty and these two conditions often coexist in aging individuals. Few studies have explored the relationship between hypertension and cognitive frailty in the Chinese population. This study investigates the epidemiological characteristics of and factors related to cognitive frailty in aging Chinese patients with hypertension. In total, cognitive function, weakness, social support, depression and sociodemographic were assessed in 305 participants aged 60 and over. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed. The prevalence of cognitive frailty in aging Chinese hypertensive patients was 9.8% (95% CI = 6.4–13.2%). After adjusting for confounding variables, logistic regression showed that the course of hypertension (6–10 years, OR = 8.588, 95% CI = 1.608–45.859;course of more than 10 years, OR = 9.020, 95%CI = 1.854–43.892), multimorbidity (OR = 11.231, 95% CI = 2.912–43.322), depression (OR = 6.917, 95% CI = 2.424–19.738) and social support (OR = 0.187, 95% CI = 0.071–0.492) were independently associated with cognitive frailty. The prevalence of cognitive frailty in aging patients with hypertension in China should not be ignored. The course of hypertension, multimorbidity and depression are the risk factors of cognitive frailty in the aging population and a better level of social support is the protective factor for cognitive frailty.
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14
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Atibila F, Ten Hoor G, Donkoh ET, Kok G. Challenges experienced by patients with hypertension in Ghana: A qualitative inquiry. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250355. [PMID: 33956798 PMCID: PMC8101754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension (HPT) is an essential public health problem affecting both lower and middle-income countries disproportionately. Evidence suggests that HPT is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease. Yet, challenges faced by patients with HPT in Ghana are not sufficiently explored. This study, documents the challenges patients with HPT face in Ghana. METHODS We used an explorative descriptive qualitative design. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 patients with HPT. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic content analysis procedure was followed to analyse the data. RESULTS Four main themes emerged from interviews; three of which pertained to dimensions of challenges and a fourth which pertained to coping strategies. These include: [1] impairment in physical activities and mobility constraints [2]. Psychological challenges such as suicidal ideations, sadness, fear, anxiety, and reduced sexual affection [3]. Socio-economic challenges identified include loss of friends and social network, difficulty in job demands, and financial burden, and [4] coping strategies such as health system support, social support, and religiosity were identified. CONCLUSION Patients with HPT experience an array of challenges. We suggest that health care facilities incorporate post HPT diagnosis counseling sessions for HPT patients in the study area. Also, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) should re-examine their scope of services; thus, drugs, laboratory services, and electrocardiogram services to avoid the issue of co-payment. Collaboration between healthcare professionals and family relations of patients with HPT ought to also be strengthened to ensure optimal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidelis Atibila
- Valley View University, Techiman-Bono East Region, Ghana
- Department of Works and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gill Ten Hoor
- Department of Works and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Emmanuel Timmy Donkoh
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, University of Energy and Natural Resources, UENR Sunyani, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Gerjo Kok
- Professor Emeritus of Applied Psychology, Department of Works and Social Psychology Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherland
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15
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Chapuis-de-Andrade S, Moret-Tatay C, Quarti Irigaray T, Breno Costa D, Antonello ICF, Pinheiro da Costa BE. Coping with stress and personality: A study in pregnancies complicated by hypertension. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 28:1607-1619. [PMID: 33899979 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this work is to investigate the role of personality in pregnancies complicated by hypertension, thru analysis of structure and associations between negative affect and coping strategies, and their role towards psychological distress. METHOD A cross-sectional study with 343 women, where 192 pregnancies complicated by hypertension, was carried out by employing the following tools: the five-factor model (Big Five), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Jalowiec's Coping Inventory. Two complementary strategies were carried out: an exploratory approach on the interactions between latent variables and a confirmatory technique. RESULTS Coping strategies seem to be dissociated in the hypertensive group, and these participants tend to use strategies according to their personality, mostly emotion focused, extraversion, and neuroticism. The extraversion model exclusively shows an acceptable goodness-of-fit after a structural equation modelling. A multigroup analysis reached a full metric invariance level for extraversion. CONCLUSIONS These results are of interest for both clinical and research settings. Prenatal screening and associated interventions may reduce perinatal negative affective states and related pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Chapuis-de-Andrade
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Public Health, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS), Alvorada, Brazil
| | - Carmen Moret-Tatay
- MEB laboratory, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir (UCV), Valencia, Spain
| | - Tatiana Quarti Irigaray
- Postgraduate Program in Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Dalton Breno Costa
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ivan Carlos Ferreira Antonello
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bartira Ercília Pinheiro da Costa
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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16
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Towards a Better Understanding of PTSD/Hypertension Associations: Examining Sociodemographic Aspects. HEARTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/hearts2010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study is an examination of sociodemographic and environmental correlates of hypertension and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with the goal of better understanding previously identified PTSD and hypertension associations. Data from 5877 adults up to age 54 were analyzed to examine racial and ethnic differences in hypertension, and relationships of socioeconomic status (SES; total family income), employment status, and marital status, and urbanicity (urban, suburban, or rural habitation) with hypertension and PTSD. Next, a total model was tested to determine which sociodemographic and environmental variables, and/or PTSD were significant independent correlates of hypertension. Higher rates of hypertension were evident among African Americans (13.8%), relative to Caucasian (7.7%) or Hispanic (6.7%) participants (p < 0.001). Low SES (family income under USD 19,000) and unemployment were associated with significantly greater likelihood (p < 0.001) of hypertension (9.8% vs. 7.6% for low SES; 14.3% vs. 8.3% for unemployment) and PTSD (16.6% vs. 8.7% for low SES; 21.3% vs. 9.6% for unemployment). Participants who were married versus those separated or divorced were significantly less likely (p < 0.001) to have hypertension (9.0% vs. 11.9%) or PTSD (10.8% vs. 18.3%). Urbanicity was not significantly associated with hypertension or PTSD. Unemployment and PTSD were the only significant independent factors associated with hypertension.
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17
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Shi C, Guo Z, Luo C, Lei C, Li P. The Psychological Impact and Associated Factors of COVID-19 on the General Public in Hunan, China. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2020; 13:3187-3199. [PMID: 33408541 PMCID: PMC7781106 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s280289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among the general public in Hunan Province, China, which could help develop psychological interventions and mental health programs. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS This online cross-sectional study recruited 571 participants through snowball sampling between February 2 and February 5, 2020. Data were collected through a general information questionnaire, the Public Emergency Psychological State Questionnaire, the Simple Coping Style Questionnaire, and the Public Disease Awareness on COVID-19 Scale. RESULTS The total mean score of the public emergency psychological state of the sample was 0.27 (0.31) points, with only 5.78% of participants (n = 33) developing psychological distress. Avoidant coping style and disease awareness were weakly positively correlated (rs = 0.257, p < 0.01) and weakly negatively correlated (rs = -0.124, p <0.01) with psychological responses, respectively. There were significant psychological differences among the following variables: occupation, symptoms of fever or fatigue, discernment of the authenticity of COVID-19 information, and level of concern regarding COVID-19 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have had a minor psychological impact on the general population in Hunan Province. However, psychological health promotion in the general public is still required, especially for employees (such as company employees, migrant workers, and businessmen), individuals with COVID-19-like symptoms, limited discernment competence and unconcerned attitudes. IMPLICATIONS The initiatives for improving psychological health among the general public could focus on delivering COVID-19 knowledge and alleviating avoidant coping styles. Our findings could provide important insight for the development of psychological support strategies in China, as well as in other places affected by the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Shi
- School of Nursing, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou423000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihua Guo
- Nursing Department, Changsha Health Vocational College, Changsha410100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chan Luo
- Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang421001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changbin Lei
- Clinical Medicine Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou423000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pan Li
- School of Nursing, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou423000, People’s Republic of China
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18
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Casagrande M, Favieri F, Langher V, Guarino A, Di Pace E, Germanò G, Forte G. The Night Side of Blood Pressure: Nocturnal Blood Pressure Dipping and Emotional (dys)Regulation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17238892. [PMID: 33265925 PMCID: PMC7729863 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The dipping phenomenon is a physiological drop in blood pressure (around 10-20%) during sleep and represents an event related to the circadian blood pressure trend. This phenomenon, in some cases, is characterized by some alterations that can be expressed by an increase (extreme dipping), a decrease (non-dipping), or a reverse (i.e., higher blood pressure during sleep compared to awake state; reverse-dipping) physiological decline of blood pressure. Few studies focused on the association between the circadian variation of blood pressure and psychological variables, although this information could help understanding how psychological characteristics (e.g., emotional regulation or dysregulation) interact with individuals' physiological processes. Given the association between emotional dysregulation and essential hypertension, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and dipping status in a sample of healthy and hypertensive adults in the absence of other medical conditions. Methods: Two hundred and ten adults took part in the study and were classified, according to ambulatorial blood pressure measure (ABPM), into three groups: dippers (n = 70), non-dippers (n = 70), and extreme dippers (n = 70). The participants completed a socio-demographic and anamnestic interview and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20). Results: The ANOVAs on the TAS-20 subscales showed that the groups differed in the difficulty identifying feelings and difficulty describing feelings. In both the subscales, dippers showed lower scores than non-dippers and extreme dippers. The ANOVA on the global score of TAS-20 confirmed that dippers were less alexithymic than both extreme dippers and non-dippers. Conclusions: This study confirms that some psychological factors, like alexithymia, could represent a characteristic of patients who fail to exhibit an adaptive dipping phenomenon. Moreover, an association between an excessive reduction of BP (extreme dipping) or a lack of the decrease of BP during sleep (non-dipping) and a worse emotional regulation, considering alexithymia construct, was highlighted for the first time, confirming the relevant role of the emotional process in the modulation of an essential psychophysiological process such as the circadian variation of BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Casagrande
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Dinamica e Clinica, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, 00185 Roma, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesca Favieri
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.G.); (E.D.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Viviana Langher
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Dinamica e Clinica, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Angela Guarino
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.G.); (E.D.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Enrico Di Pace
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.G.); (E.D.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Giuseppe Germanò
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cardiovascolari, Respiratorie, Nefrologiche e Geriatriche, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, 00815 Roma, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Forte
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma “Sapienza”, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.G.); (E.D.P.); (G.F.)
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19
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Cavanagh L, Obasi EM. The Moderating Role of Coping Style on Chronic Stress Exposure and Cardiovascular Reactivity Among African American Emerging Adults. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2020; 22:357-366. [PMID: 32696119 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-020-01141-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress exposure may contribute to dysregulation of cardiovascular functions and increase CVD risk among African Americans. This study investigated the direct and interactive effects of chronic stress exposure and coping styles on cardiovascular reactivity to acute stress. A sample of African American emerging adults (n = 277) completed a battery of self-report assessments and underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) across two time points. Prior chronic stress exposure was negatively associated with heart rate (HR) reactivity among females at 1-month follow-up. Task-oriented coping was positively associated with HR reactivity, while avoidance-oriented coping showed a negative association. Higher use of emotion-oriented coping moderated the relationship between chronic stress exposure and HR reactivity, resulting in more robust reactivity. Among females, but not males, lower use of avoidance-oriented coping moderated the relationship between prior chronic stress exposure and HR reactivity, also resulting in more robust reactivity. Prior chronic stress exposure and the use of maladaptive coping strategies may confer negative impacts on cardiovascular reactivity, particularly among African American females. Using adaptive coping styles may mitigate these effects and improve cardiovascular reactivity. These findings provide preliminary support for psychosocial determinants of health within a controlled laboratory experiment and highlight important gender differences to consider in prevention efforts for African American cardiovascular health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cavanagh
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, 491 Farish Hall, 77204, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ezemenari M Obasi
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, 491 Farish Hall, 77204, Houston, TX, USA. .,Health Research Institute, University of Houston, 1100 Health 2, 77204, Houston, TX, USA.
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20
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Forte G, Favieri F, Tambelli R, Casagrande M. The Enemy Which Sealed the World: Effects of COVID-19 Diffusion on the Psychological State of the Italian Population. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1802. [PMID: 32531884 PMCID: PMC7356935 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Starting from the first months of 2020, worldwide population has been facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Many nations, including Italy, took extreme actions to reduce the diffusion of the virus, profoundly changing lifestyles. The Italians have been faced with both the fear of contracting the infection and the consequences of enforcing social distancing. This study was aimed to understand the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and the psychopathological outcomes related to the first phase of this emergency. METHODS The study included 2291 respondents. An online survey collected information on socio-demographic variables, history of direct or indirect contact with COVID-19, and additional information concerning the COVID-19 emergency. Moreover, psychopathological symptoms such as anxiety, mood alterations and post-traumatic symptomatology were assessed. RESULTS The results revealed that respectively 31.38%, 37.19% and 27.72% of respondents reported levels of general psychopathological symptomatology, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms over the cut-off scores. Furthermore, a significant worsening of mood has emerged. Being a female or under the age of 50 years, having had direct contact with people infected by the COVID-19, and experiencing uncertainty about the risk of contagion represent risk factors for psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic appear to impact not only on physical health but also on psychological well-being. Although these results need to be considered with caution being based on self-reported data collected at the beginning of this emergency, they should be used as a starting point for further studies aimed to develop interventions to minimize both the brief and long-term psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesca Favieri
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Casagrande
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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Forte G, Favieri F, Tambelli R, Casagrande M. The Enemy Which Sealed the World: Effects of COVID-19 Diffusion on the Psychological State of the Italian Population. J Clin Med 2020. [PMID: 32531884 DOI: 10.3390/jcm99061802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Starting from the first months of 2020, worldwide population has been facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Many nations, including Italy, took extreme actions to reduce the diffusion of the virus, profoundly changing lifestyles. The Italians have been faced with both the fear of contracting the infection and the consequences of enforcing social distancing. This study was aimed to understand the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and the psychopathological outcomes related to the first phase of this emergency. METHODS The study included 2291 respondents. An online survey collected information on socio-demographic variables, history of direct or indirect contact with COVID-19, and additional information concerning the COVID-19 emergency. Moreover, psychopathological symptoms such as anxiety, mood alterations and post-traumatic symptomatology were assessed. RESULTS The results revealed that respectively 31.38%, 37.19% and 27.72% of respondents reported levels of general psychopathological symptomatology, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms over the cut-off scores. Furthermore, a significant worsening of mood has emerged. Being a female or under the age of 50 years, having had direct contact with people infected by the COVID-19, and experiencing uncertainty about the risk of contagion represent risk factors for psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic appear to impact not only on physical health but also on psychological well-being. Although these results need to be considered with caution being based on self-reported data collected at the beginning of this emergency, they should be used as a starting point for further studies aimed to develop interventions to minimize both the brief and long-term psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Favieri
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Casagrande
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Casagrande M, Favieri F, Guarino A, Di Pace E, Langher V, Germanò G, Forte G. The Night Effect of Anger: Relationship with Nocturnal Blood Pressure Dipping. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E2705. [PMID: 32326399 PMCID: PMC7216280 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The circadian pattern of blood pressure is characterized by a physiological drop occurring after sleep onset. The alteration of this phenomenon (non-dipping, extreme dipping, or reverse dipping) is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Besides altered autonomic and endocrine circadian rhythms, psychological aspects seem to play a role in this modification. However, the few studies that have analyzed the influence of psychological dimensions on the dipping phenomenon have reported inconsistent results. This study aimed to examine the relationship between anger expression and blood pressure (BP) dipping. METHODS We obtained 24 h ambulatory BP measurements from 151 participants and used them to define three groups according to their dipping status: Dippers (N = 65), Non-Dippers (N = 42), and Extreme Dippers (N = 44). Sociodemographic and anamnestic information was collected, and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory was used to assess anger. RESULTS Analysis of variance evidenced significant higher scores for Trait Anger Temperament and Anger Expression in Extreme Dippers than in both Dippers and Non-Dippers. However, after controlling for confounding variables, there was no significant relationship with trait anger, and only the result concerning the suppression of anger was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the analysis of some psychological factors, such as anger, could be necessary to better understand differences in nocturnal BP alterations. Trait anger and suppression of anger may contribute to the description and classification of patients who exhibit a maladaptive dipping phenomenon. However, modifiable (i.e., cigarette consumption) and unmodifiable (i.e., age) risk factors appear to mediate this relationship. Although further studies are necessary to explore this association, these results highlight that some aspects of anger can represent risk factors or markers of maladaptive modulation of the dipping phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Casagrande
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Dinamica e Clinica–Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Francesca Favieri
- Dipartimento di Psicologia—Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.G.); (E.D.P.)
| | - Angela Guarino
- Dipartimento di Psicologia—Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.G.); (E.D.P.)
| | - Enrico Di Pace
- Dipartimento di Psicologia—Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.G.); (E.D.P.)
| | - Viviana Langher
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Dinamica e Clinica–Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Germanò
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cardiovascolari, Respiratorie, Nefrologiche e Geriatriche–Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Forte
- Dipartimento di Psicologia—Università di Roma “Sapienza”, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.G.); (E.D.P.)
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Lin TK, Lin CL, Li YD, Huang Y, Koo M, Weng CY. Negative Affectivity Is Associated with a Higher Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure in Normotensive Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56040160. [PMID: 32252472 PMCID: PMC7230211 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56040160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Type D personality, characterized by two stable traits (social inhibition and negative affectivity), is associated with adverse cardiovascular events. A possible mediating factor for this association could be hypertension. Previous research has shown that individuals with Type D personality were associated with an increased risk of hypertension. However, the association of negative affectivity and social inhibition on blood pressure in normotensive individuals has not yet been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether negative affectivity and social inhibition were associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in normotensive middle-aged and older Taiwanese adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Individuals attending general health examination at a regional hospital in southern Taiwan who were 40 to 75 years old were recruited. Patients with self-reported hypertension or currently receiving antihypertensive medication were excluded. Negative affectivity and social inhibition were assessed with the 14-item Type D Scale-Taiwanese version. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the association of Z-score transformed negative affectivity and social inhibition on blood pressure. Results: A total of 92 patients with a mean age of 51.5 years were included in the study, and 15 (16.3%) were defined as having a Type D personality. The Z-score transformed negative affectivity score (p = 0.035, effect size = 0.18) and Z-score transformed social inhibition score (p = 0.054, effect size = 0.17) were significantly associated with a higher systolic blood pressure. In addition, the Z-score transformed negative affectivity score (p = 0.036, effect size = 0.28) and Z-score transformed social inhibition score (p = 0.154, effect size = 0.24) were significantly associated with a higher diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions: Negative affectivity of the Type D personality was significantly associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with a medium effect size, in apparently healthy middle-aged and older adults. Assessment of negative affectivity may be clinically useful in identifying individuals at risk of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin-Kwang Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Dalin, Chiayi 62247, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien City, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Lon Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Dalin, Chiayi 62247, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien City, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Da Li
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Dalin, Chiayi 62247, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien City, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Psychology, National Cheng Chung University, Minxiong, Chiayi 62102, Taiwan
| | - Malcolm Koo
- Graduate Institute of Long-term Care, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien City, Hualien 97005, Taiwan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5T 3M7 ON, Canada
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (C.-Y.W.)
| | - Chia-Ying Weng
- Department of Psychology, National Cheng Chung University, Minxiong, Chiayi 62102, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (C.-Y.W.)
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Effects of Blood Pressure on Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2019; 9:jcm9010034. [PMID: 31877865 PMCID: PMC7019226 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: High blood pressure has been associated with an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment. However, this relationship is unclear. This study aims to systematically review the effects of blood pressure on executive functioning, language, memory, attention and processing speed. Methods: The review process was conducted according to the PRISMA-Statement, using the PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and MEDLINE databases. Restrictions were made by selecting studies, which included one or more cognitive measures and reported blood pressure recordings. Studies that included participants with medical conditions or people diagnosed with dementia, psychiatric disorders, stroke and head trauma were excluded. The review allows selecting fifty studies that included 107,405 participants. The results were reported considering different cognitive domains separately: global cognitive functioning, attention, processing speed, executive functions, memory and visuospatial abilities. Results: Higher blood pressure appears to influence cognitive performance in different domains in the absence of dementia and severe cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes. This relationship seems to be independent of demographic factors (gender and education), medical co-morbidity (diabetes), and psychiatric disorders (depression). Furthermore, it presents different patterns considering ageing. In the elderly, a sort of “cardiovascular paradox” is highlighted, which allows considering higher blood pressure as a protective factor for cognitive functioning. Conclusions: The results underline that higher blood pressure is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline in people without dementia or stroke. These findings highlight the need to introduce early management of blood pressure, even in the absence of clinical hypertension, to prevent the risk of a decline of cognitive functioning typically associated with ageing.
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Casagrande M, Mingarelli A, Guarino A, Favieri F, Boncompagni I, Germanò R, Germanò G, Forte G. Alexithymia: A facet of uncontrolled hypertension. Int J Psychophysiol 2019; 146:180-189. [PMID: 31639379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proper control of blood pressure reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications in hypertensive people. However, this control remains mostly unsatisfactory. Although alexithymia has been associated with essential hypertension, no study has analysed the relationship between alexithymia and blood pressure control in drug-treated hypertension. This research aimed to analyse the presence and the characteristics of this relationship, considering both the pharmacological treatment and the achievement of adequate maintenance of blood pressure in a physiological range. METHOD One thousand two hundred and forty-one people participated in the study. Eight hundred and ten were hypertensive patients, and four hundred and thirty-one were normotensive people. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 was used to assess alexithymia. RESULTS Results show that hypertensive people are more alexithymic than normotensive people. According to the presence of pharmacological treatment, treated hypertensive patients are more alexithymic than normotensive and not treated hypertensive patients. Considering the blood pressure control associated with the drug-therapy, people with uncontrolled hypertension are more alexithymic than normotensive and untreated hypertensive people. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm a relationship between alexithymia and essential arterial hypertension, but they also highlight that alexithymia appears to be associated with higher severity of hypertension. Alexithymia could be a facet of uncontrolled hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Casagrande
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Dinamica e Clinica, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Italy.
| | | | - Angela Guarino
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Italy
| | | | | | - Rosanna Germanò
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cardiovascolari, Respiratorie, Nefrologiche e Geriatriche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Italy
| | - Giuseppe Germanò
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cardiovascolari, Respiratorie, Nefrologiche e Geriatriche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Italy
| | - Giuseppe Forte
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Italy
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