An epidemiological cross-sectional study to assess the level of stress and its association with hypertension in young adult population of age group 20 to 40 years in an urban slum of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Background: Hypertension is a growing health concern in Asia and some tend to associate their hypertension to psychosocial stress. However, data on assessment of stress and its relationship with hypertension are rare. The objectives were to assess the level of stress and its relation with hypertension amongst the young population of 20 to 40 years of an urban slum of Mumbai.Methods:A cross sectional community based study of 450 participants in the age group of 20 to 40 years using systematic sampling technique with a random start. Data was collected using a questionnaire-cum-examination form that was devised relevant to the study. Blood pressure was assessed using shypnomanometer and stress was assessed using stress questionnaire score. Blood pressure <139/89 mm Hg (normal) & >140/90 mm of Hg (hypertension).Results: Amongst 450 participants, 41 (9.1%) participants had minimal stress, 164 (36.4%) had mild stress, 142 (31.6%) had moderate stress and 103 (22.9%) had severe stress. Out of 450 participants 73 (16.2%) had blood pressure >140/90 mm of Hg. Association between severe stress and hypertension was found to be statistical significant.Conclusions:Severe stress is associated with development of hypertension. Special attention should be given to increase the awareness about stress, its related complications and prevention and control measures.