Abstract
This cross-sectional survey measured relationships among blood pressure and measures of psychologic distress, family structure, and economic status in a sample of adolescents exposed to Hurricane Hugo. Spielberger's Anger Scale and Derogatis' Brief Symptom Inventory were used. Data analysis revealed 5% of the 1079 adolescents were hypertensive. Multiple regression analyses revealed the following predictors of higher diastolic blood pressure: African-American race, recipient of subsidized lunch, exposure to Hurricane Hugo, and higher anger-in scores in males. The effects of a catastrophic event such as a hurricane on blood pressure and the effects of introjected anger have implications for both health care consumers and providers.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 57-65 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Holistic Nursing Practice |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2000 |
Keywords
- Adolescents
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Blood pressure
- Depression