A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Guided Imagery Technique on Stress among Hypertensive Patients in Selected Rural Areas of Kodaikanal Taluk, Tamilnadu

Stress has long been listed as a potential and important cause of hypertension among other potential risk factors such as low potassium consumption, low physical activity and sleep abnormalities. Acute stress can induce transient elevation of blood pressure, but it is still unclear whether this effect results in sustained elevation of blood pressure and hypertension. This study examined the effect of guided imagery visualization on stress of individuals with hypertensive patients. A pre and post test group design was selected for this study. The randomized control trial (RCT) in which subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups thirty samples in each groups: the study group received the intervention of guided imagery that is being tested, and the other group control received a usual treatment care. The two groups were pre tested then followed up at 7th week and 12th week to see if there are any differences between them in outcome. Simple lottery method was used to select the primary health centers for randomization. Subjects underwent 20 to 25 minutes of Guided imagery audio relaxation was given daily for 7 weeks. Experts validated the tool of DVD and CD of Guided imagery relaxation and reliability of Standardized tool of perceived stress scale was.83. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Results: Pre test mean and standard deviation of control group was 31.3 and 54.566 and in study group was 22.8 and 4.2215. In post test its observed that mean and standard deviation of study group stress level was found to be reduced distinctly on 21 days itself, followed by greater reduction in 3months mean and standard deviation of 7.133 and 3.5109. Whereas in control group stress level changes were not noted its found to be same level. The t value of pretest in both the groups was noticed as non significant (t=0.8508) The effectiveness of Guided imagery was manifestly noted in 21 days with the t value of 2.1216 which was significant at p