Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Although effective medications are available, many patients simply do not follow the prescribed treatment correctly. A recent study conducted in Cimahi City, Indonesia, investigated one of the key factors behind this low adherence: stress.
Published by researchers Gurdani Yogisutanti (Immanuel Health Institute) and Suhat Suhat (General Achmad Yani University @officialunjani) in the Multidisciplinary Science Journal, the study reveals a strong relationship between high levels of stress and treatment discontinuation among hypertensive patients. In other words: the more stressed the patient is, the less likely they are to follow medical recommendations properly.
The Mind Interferes with the Body
The study involved 160 hypertensive patients from three health centers in Cimahi. Most of them were women aged 50 to 59 with low levels of education.
Key findings include:
- 52.5% of patients showed moderate stress levels
- 65.6% did not adhere properly to their treatment
- Patients with higher stress levels were more likely to abandon medical care
This relationship was statistically confirmed, with a correlation index of 0.615, considered strong.
Why Does Stress Disrupt Treatment Adherence?
During stressful moments, the body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can raise blood pressure and impair memory, focus, and motivation. As a result, the patient may forget to take their medication, feel unmotivated to stick to routines, or even doubt the treatment’s effectiveness.
Stress is also commonly linked to broader social factors:
🔸 Anxiety and depression
🔸 Unemployment or financial instability
🔸 Lack of family support
🔸 Limited access to information about the disease
The Role of Family and Healthcare Professionals
The study emphasizes that family support is essential. Patients who receive encouragement and emotional support from family members tend to adopt healthier habits and follow treatment plans more consistently.
In addition, communication with healthcare professionals should be clear, empathetic, and welcoming. Strategies such as therapy, psychological counseling, and health education programs are powerful tools to reduce stress and improve treatment adherence.
What Can We Learn from This Study?
To effectively manage hypertension, prescribing medication alone is not enough. It’s necessary to treat the patient as a whole — body and mind.
The study offers the following recommendations:
✔ Provide emotional support to patients
✔ Include stress management strategies in treatment plans
✔ Involve the family in the care process
✔ Invest in health education to raise awareness of the risks of poor adherence
💬 Do you believe stress affects how people care for their health? Have you experienced or witnessed this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Read full article on the Multidisciplinary Science Journal website.
This research was conducted by:
Gurdani Yogisutanti, Immanuel Health Institute, Indonesia
Suhat Suhat, General Achmad Yani University, Indonesia
