The personal habits and sleep quality affect the health-related quality of patients with hypertension: The results of a cross-sectional study

Background: Hypertension can negatively impact the quality of life and may influence sleep patterns. While traditional cardiovascular risk factors are well-established, the potential of irregular sleep patterns as a novel risk factor for heart disease is still not well understood. The objectives were to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its correlation with sleep habits and overall quality of life. We assessed the socio-clinical sleep quality index, health-related quality of life, and the factors linked to individuals with high blood pressure. Materials and Methods: The outcome variables were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) instrument and the MINICHAL scale. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study involved 252 hypertensive patients in a tertiary care hospital in India selected using purposive sampling. Statistical analysis used: The relationship between sleep quality index (SQI) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. The relationship between socio-clinical variables, SQI, and HRQOL was analyzed using the Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The systolic blood pressure averaged 146.92 ± 13.03, while diastolic blood pressure exhibited a median of 89 mmHg (80, 93). A substantial proportion (70.2%) of hypertensive patients reported poor sleep quality; the mean HRQOL score was 22 (7, 30). Alcohol consumption and occupational factors were significantly associated with SQI. Conclusion: Subjects who had a prolonged history of hypertension demonstrated a deterioration in their quality of life. A weak, yet statistically significant, positive correlation was identified between SQI and HRQOL, indicating a modest association.