Risk of arterial hypertension and personal anxiety in 25—64 years old female population: A 16-year epidemiological study based on the WHO program «MONICA-psychosocial»

Objective. To determine the effect of personal anxiety on the relative risk of arterial hypertension (AH) in female population 25-64 years during 16 years. Design and methods. Within the framework of the third screening of the WHO «MONICA-psychosocial» program random representative sample of women aged 25-64 years (n = 870), who were residents of one district in Novosibirsk, were surveyed. Personal anxiety was measured by Spilberger’s test. From 1995 to 2010 women were followed up for 16 years for the incidence of AH. Cox proportional regression model was used for the estimation of relative risk. Results. During the first 5 years the relative risk of AH development was 2,38 times higher (95 % CI = 1,137-4,993; p < 0,05); for 10 years — 1,85 times higher (95 % CI = 1,075-3,194; p < 0,05); for 16 years — 1,46 times higher (95 % CI = 0,992-2,040; p < 0,05) in women with high levels of anxiety. The rate of AH incidence was higher in married women, managers, physical labour employees and in those with low level of education. Conclusion. Risk of AH incidence in population of women aged 25-64 years with high level of personal anxiety was the highest during the first 5 years of follow-up. Incidence of AH is affected by occupation and marital status, educational level.