comment on the responses of at least two other students by supporting a minimum of one post and challenging a minimum of one post. You will want to focus on their point of view, asking pertinent quest
Why was the study done?
Association between Stress and Hypertension among Adults More Than 30 Years: A Case-Control Study.
What is the sample size?
When deciding on a sample size for this study, the researchers took into consideration the prevalence of hypertension to be 20%, the proportion of exposure within the general population as 0.2, ratio of odds to be 2.2, power 80%, alpha 5%, which came to a total sample size of 102 cases and 102 controls(Bhelkar, Deshpande, Mankar, & Hiwarkar, 2018).
Are instruments of the variables in the study clearly defined and reliable?
The researchers predesigned a proforma which noted the subject’s histories regarding socioeconomic variable, past history and current addictions such as tobacco or gutkha chewing, smoking and alcoholism and adequacy of physical activity (Bhelkar, Deshpande, Mankar, & Hiwarkar, 2018). Additionally, the researchers also obtained a history of the subjects past one week regarding the adequacy of physical activity, which was defined as at least 150 minuets of moderate aerobic physical activity throughout the week, or a minimum of 75 minuets of vigorous aerobic physical activity throughout the week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity that is equivalent in minuets and intensity. Stress was measure using the Perceived Stress Scale. Height was measured using the stadiometer and weight was measured using an electronic weighing machine. Additionally, BMI was calculated, as well as blood pressures per JNC-VII criteria. Blood pressure measurements were obtained using the same mercury sphygmomanometer by auscultation method of the right hand, seated with their back supported, feet on the floor, right hand supported, and cubital fossa at the level of the heart. If an individual’s blood pressure was excessively high, the blood pressure was repeated 30 minutes later, and the second and third readings were obtained two minutes apart and the average of three readings were then obtained (Bhelkar, Deshpande, Mankar, & Hiwarkar, 2018).
How was the data analyzed?
The data obtained during this study was logged through an excel sheet then analyzed by using Epi info version 7 software (Bhelkar, Deshpande, Mankar, & Hiwarkar, 2018). The Chi-square test was then used to determine the association. Univariate analysis was used for assessing risk calculations by odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was completed and a P value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant (Bhelkar, Deshpande, Mankar, & Hiwarkar, 2018).
Were there any unusual events during the study?
There wasn’t any unusual event during the study or changes in the sample size.
How do the results fit in with previous research in this area?
Increased levels of stress were shown to be significantly associated with hypertension (Bhelkar, Deshpande, Mankar, & Hiwarkar, 2018). Subjects used in this study with high stress levels were 2.52 times more likely to exhibit hypertension. Factors shown to affect blood pressure directly related to stress include white coat hypertension, job strain, race, social environment, and emotional distress. Stress causes an immediate stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system with vasomotor responses which results in an increased output state and elevations in blood pressure readings. This study showed a significant association stress has on hypertension and is recognized as being an independent risk factor for hypertension (Bhelkar, Deshpande, Mankar, & Hiwarkar, 2018).
What are the implications of the research for clinical practice?
The research conducted for this study emphasis the important of raising awareness about stress as an independent risk factor for hypertension and the importance of raising this awareness among masses (Bhelkar, Deshpande, Mankar, & Hiwarkar, 2018). Additionally, the researchers suggest emphasizing measures to mitigate stress as an initiative for not only prevention of, but also control of hypertension (Bhelkar, Deshpande, Mankar, & Hiwarkar, 2018).
Reference:
Bhelkar, S., Deshpande, S., Mankar, S., & Hiwarkar, P. (2018). Association between Stress and Hypertension among Adults More Than 30 Years: A Case-Control Study. National Journal of Community Medicine, 9(6), 430-433. http://njcmindia.org/uploads/9-6_430-433.pdf
