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Abstract
Background: There is increasing evidence showing that anxiety is associated with morbidity in the older age group. Factors contributing to anxiety may vary among different diseases and settings.
Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with anxiety symptoms among elderly hypertensive at the primary care level.
Methods: A cross-sectional study and face-to-face interviews using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were conducted among elderly hypertensive.
Results: The mean (SD) age of subjects was 68.8 (6.76) years and comprised of 49.5% and 50.5% of males and females, respectively. The majority of respondents were Malays (76.1%), followed by Chinese (14.3%), and Indians (9.5%). The mean (SD) duration of hypertension was 8.44 (7.29) years and the prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 13.3% (95% CI: 9.9, 16.7). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that elderly hypertensive with a past history of stroke (adjusted OR: 4.472; 95% CI: 1.754, 11.405; p = 0.002) and depression (adjusted OR: 3.715; 95% CI: 2.009, 6.872; p < 0.001) was significantly associated with the factors for anxiety.
Conclusion: Elderly hypertensive with a history of stroke and having depressive symptoms are susceptible to get the anxiety. Therefore, screenings of risk factors and early intervention may improve the quality of life among elderly.
Acknowledgements
The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (Human), Universiti Teknologi MARA. The authors gratefully acknowledge the help and cooperation from the Primary Care Physician and staff of the participating clinics. We also thank all subjects who made this study possible.
Declaration of interest
The authors have declared that they have no conflicts of interests. The study was self-funded.