MEDtube Science 2014 - The use of stimulants among patients with diagnosed hypertension

Purpose of the study: The main objective of the study was to show, if people with high blood pressure are using stimulants in their everyday lives.
Material and methods: The research was carried out in The Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 4 on Jaczewskiego Street in Lublin, from December 2012 until February 2013. 100 people aged 24 to 90 were included in the study. The study was based on auditorium survey. In the group of studied patients, more than a half of the respondents (55%) were over 60 years old. 36% of the respondents were between 41 to 60 years old; 9% of the study group was under 40 years old. The Fagerström Nicotine Tolerance Questionnaire and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used in the study.
Results: Studies have shown that 67% do not smoke tobacco, while in the group of smokers, a moderate nicotine dependence prevails (40%). More than a half of the respondents consumed alcohol (54%), the vast majority of people in this group drinks occasionally (80%). 13% of respondents overuse alcohol, and 7% of the respondents are dependent on alcohol.
Conclusions: Patients with hypertension should be educated on changing their lifestyle. To maintain the desired behavior of the patients, the educators should stress the benefits coming from the undertaken actions, work on patients’ high self-esteem, show them that there is a possibility of change, and encourage them to take action and to seek stimulation from the environment.