Investigate Gender Differences in Body Mass Index, Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Hypertension

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Hypertension is a common, chronic and dangerous disease with physical and psychological complications. Therefore, the present research was conducted with the aim of investigate gender differences in body mass index, depression and anxiety in patients with hypertension.

Methodology: The present study was applied in terms of purpose and cross-sectional in terms of method. The research population was patients with hypertension referred to Taleghani Hospital of Tehran city. The sample of this study was 200 patients with hypertension (100 women and 100 men) who were selected by available sampling method. The research instruments included a Dial Sphygmomanometer, Dial Mechanical Scale, Metal Tape Meter and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (Laviebond and Laviebond, 1995). The data of this study were analyzed by analysis of variance in SPSS software.

Findings: The results of the present research showed that women with hypertension in compared to men with hypertension had a higher depression and body mass index and lower anxiety (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The results of this research indicated that there are gender differences in body mass index, depression and anxiety in patients with hypertension. Therefore, design and implementation practical and targeted psychological interventions based on gender is necessary to for different physical, emotional, and mental characteristics.