The Psychological Adaptation to Hypertension Among Elderly Patients in Primary Care

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases among elderly populations and may negatively affect physical health, psychological well-being, and emotional adaptation. Elderly patients with hypertension often experience anxiety, fear of complications, emotional burden, and difficulties adapting to long-term illness management. However, limited studies have explored psychological adaptation to hypertension among elderly patients in primary care settings. Therefore, this study aimed to explore psychological adaptation to hypertension among elderly patients receiving treatment in primary healthcare services. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological design involving 10 elderly patients with hypertension selected using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, observation, and field notes. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes related to participants’ psychological adaptation experiences. The findings revealed four major themes, including emotional responses to hypertension, acceptance and adaptation to chronic illness, coping strategies in hypertension management, and the role of social and healthcare support in psychological adaptation. Participants experienced fear, anxiety, and emotional distress during the early stages of illness but gradually developed adaptive coping mechanisms and emotional acceptance. Family support and positive healthcare communication also played important roles in strengthening psychological adaptation. These findings highlight the importance of integrating psychological and emotional support into primary healthcare services to improve holistic hypertension management among elderly patients.