Association Between Big Five Personality Traits and Hypertension in Saudi Patients: A Case Control Study.

BACKGROUND

The association between personality traits and hypertension is complex and has so far not been studied in depth.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to explore the connection between the Big Five personality traits and hypertension.

METHODS

This case control study includes 310 participants, and the relationship between personality traits and hypertension was investigated in normotensive and hypertensive patients by the Big Five Inventory-10. We examined the association of each of the Big Five personality traits in hypertensive patients and a control group using binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The findings of the study revealed that amongst the Big Five personality factors, low conscientiousness (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.92-1.29, <0.005) and high neuroticism (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.45-0.66, <0.001) were related with high risk of hypertension. Male, older people, and physically inactive individuals have been found to be at a higher risk of hypertension. No significant relationship was found between hypertension and marital status, education, or smoking habits.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that a low score in conscientiousness trait and a high neuroticism score may be an additional risk factor of hypertension. Thus, it may be worthy to investigate further in order to identify patients at risk and develop a more individual treatment strategy. Cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological options can be used preemptively in high-risk patients.