Hypertension

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Background of the Study

As of 2001, the Philippines had a total of 41,380 cases of hypertension-related deaths without heart involvement at a rate of 56.6/100,000 populations, while the number of hypertension-related deaths due to heart involvement was 55,830 at a rate of 76.3/100,000 populations. (Health Intelligence Service {DOH}, 2001). Based on these figures, the number of deaths may steadily increase and pharmacological treatment would no longer be enough to check it, therefore, other strategies are required to quell the rising trend.

Hypertension, when left untreated increases the risk of mortality and complications such as severe heart diseases, stroke, neuropathy, and nephropathy. The decision to label a person hypertensive and begin treatment involves assumptions of the role of a patient, changes in lifestyle, risks for side effects of drug regimen, possible interference with quality of life and financial costs. Kaplan (2000)

Recent investigations have proven that whatever is smelled has a profound effect on our mental states. Aromatherapy as being advocated as "scented medicine," believes that the use of essential oils is helpful in lowering states of depression, anxiety, stress and high blood pressure. In the world of scents, they are called hypo tensors, thus decreasing high blood pressure. It could also be used as a pain relief, treatment for inflammation, insect bites, rheumatism, colds, nausea and even cancer depending on the essential oil used. Mallari (2000)

The coming of the millennium paved way to the development of different alternative medicines. One of these is aromatherapy w/c is used in many spa and massage centers in the country.

The mounting prevalence of hypertension in the Philippines is the main reason of the researchers in making this study. The main thrust of the researchers is to determine if aromatherapy as an alternative, cost effective, and natural pharmacologic regimen is significant in lowering blood pressure.

In the light of this study, the researchers would like to determine the relationship between application of aromatherapy and the lowering of blood pressures among hypertensive adults.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of the study is to determine the relationship between application of aromatherapy and the lowering of blood pressure among hypertensive adults when grouped according to age and gender in a community in Manila.

It seeks to answer the following questions:

What percentage of the male hypertensive adults in a community in Manila experience a lowering of blood pressure after application of aromatherapy?

What percentage of female hypertensive adults in a community in Manila experience a lowering of blood pressure after application of aromatherapy?

What percentage of the hypertensive adults in a community in Manila as grouped according to age 36-40 years old experience a lowering of blood pressure after application of aromatherapy?

What percentage of the hypertensive adults in a community in Manila as grouped according to age 41-45 years old experience a lowering of blood pressure after application of aromatherapy?

What percentage of the hypertensive adults in a community in Manila as grouped according to age46-50 years old experience a lowering of blood pressure after application of aromatherapy?

What percentage of the hypertensive adults in a community in Manila as grouped according to age 51-55 years old experience a lowering of blood pressure after application of aromatherapy?

What is the difference on the lowering of blood pressure of the hypertensive adults grouped according to gender and age before and after application of aromatherapy?

What is the relationship between the application of aromatherapy and the lowering of blood pressure among hypertensive adults grouped according to age and gender in a community in Manila?

Research Hypothesis

Male hypertensive adults who receive application of aromatherapy are more likely to experience lowering of blood pressure than those who do not receive application of aromatherapy.

Female hypertensive adults who receive application of aromatherapy are more likely to experience lowering of blood pressure than those who do not receive application of aromatherapy.

Hypertensive adults grouped according to age of 36-40 years old who receive application of aromatherapy are more likely to experience lowering of blood pressure than those who do not receive aromatherapy.

Hypertensive adults grouped according to age of 41-45 years old who receive application of aromatherapy are more likely to experience lowering of blood pressure than those who do not receive aromatherapy.

Hypertensive adults grouped according to age of 46-50 years old who receive application of aromatherapy are more likely to experience lowering of blood pressure than those who do not receive aromatherapy.

Hypertensive adults grouped according to age of 51-55 years old who receive application of aromatherapy are more likely to experience lowering of blood pressure than those who do not receive aromatherapy.

There is a significant difference on the lowering of blood pressure of hypertensive adults grouped according to age and gender before and after application of aromatherapy in a community in Manila.

There is a relationship between the application of aromatherapy and the lowering of blood pressure of hypertensive adults in a community in Manila.

Assumptions

The application of aromatherapy is a non-invasive procedure that offers hypertensive people an effective and cheaper alternative to lower blood pressure.

The application of aromatherapy is a safe and alternative method in lowering blood pressure among hypertensive adults.

The application of aromatherapy is a pharmacologic method in lowering blood pressure among hypertensive adults.

Definition of terms

The following key terms will be defined according to their conceptual and operational definition for better understanding.

1. Application of Aromatherapy- it refers to the use of extracted oils from wild or cultivated plants for health treatment or therapies similar to those used in herbal