Association of Deepression and Anxiety With Uncontrolled Hypertension: a Cross-sectional Study in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is a medical condition of public health concern that increases the risk for chronic non-communicable diseases and mortalities. In recent years, understanding its co-existence with other comorbidities have been the focus of better management. However, the relationship between hypertension and depression or anxiety has been contentious with diverse findings reported by different studies. Understanding the relationship between depressive and anxiety disorders and hypertension control will be crucial for reducing the mortality associated with hypertension. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the association between depression or anxiety and hypertension control. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 321 hypertensive patients accessing care in two hospitals. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Relationship between uncontrolled hypertension and depression or anxiety was assessed using binary logistics regression. Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 12.1% and 23.1% respectively. Total of 60 and 261 of the participants had controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure respectively. Out of the 261 participants with uncontrolled blood pressure, 14.2% and 23.4% had depression and anxiety respectively. Depression (OR=7.751, 95% CI=1.79-43.4, P=0.011) was associated with an increased risk for uncontrolled blood pressure after adjusting for sex, smoking of cigarette, age, marital status, and exercise. Conclusion: There is a statistically significant relationship between depression and uncontrolled blood pressure. It is therefore relevant for healthcare providers to assess for depression in patients with hypertension and provide treatment to achieve hypertension control.