Association Between Big Five Personality Traits and Hypertension in Saudi Patients: A Case Control Study

Background: The association between personality traits and hypertension is complex and has so far not been studied in depth. Objective: The present study aims to explore the connection between the Big Five personality traits and hypertension. Methods: This case control study includes 310 participants, and the relationship between personality traits and hypertension was investigated in normotensive and hypertensive patients by the Big Five Inventory-10. We examined the association of each of the Big Five personality traits in hypertensive patients and a control group using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The findings of the study revealed that amongst the Big Five personality factors, low conscientiousness (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.92– 1.29, P < 0.005) and high neuroticism (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.45– 0.66, P < 0.001) were related with high risk of hypertension. Male, older people, and physically inactive individuals have been found to be at a higher risk of hypertension. No significant relationship was found between hypertension and marital status, education, or smoking habits. Conclusion: These results suggested that a low score in conscientiousness trait and a high neuroticism score may be an additional risk factor of hypertension. Thus, it may be worthy to investigate further in order to identify patients at risk and develop a more individual treatment strategy. Cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological options can be used preemptively in high-risk patients.