A recent study highlights a strong association between emotional abuse and hypertension among women in Kenya. Published in early October, the research shows that women experiencing emotional violence from partners face a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.
Data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey involving 5,109 women aged 15 to 49 years formed the basis of this study. It reveals that about 30% of Kenyan women endure emotional abuse, and 9.37% suffer from hypertension. The study indicates that women subjected to emotional violence have a 69% greater risk of hypertension compared to those who have not experienced such abuse. Even after considering factors like age, wealth, and education, the likelihood of hypertension remained elevated.
Researchers stress the need for healthcare strategies to address emotional abuse as part of public health initiatives. Emotional violence, including humiliation, threats, and insults, is prevalent yet often overlooked since it leaves no physical marks. The study emphasizes that its impact can be as harmful as physical violence, leading to chronic stress, which is a known risk factor for hypertension.
The findings suggest integrating screening for emotional violence into routine hypertension checks, particularly in public health settings. The study, titled “Association between Experience of Emotional Violence and Hypertension among Kenyan Women,” appears in Nature’s Scientific Reports journal. It further explores how emotional abuse can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating, substance use, and inactivity, which contribute to increased hypertension risk.
Researchers urge for more attention on emotional violence, recognizing its role in heightening the susceptibility to cardiovascular conditions like hypertension.
