Do the stress levels affect the quality of life and treatment adherence in hospitalized medically ill patients?

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Stress can be experienced in day to day life and can be usually resolved by effective coping mechanisms of a person and can also prove beneficial provided the loss of equilibrium is corrected. However, some life events may disturb the steady state to an extent where the person is not able to overcome the stress. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between perceived stress levels, quality of life and treatment adherence in patients hospitalized with medical illnesses. 400 patients admitted in the general medicine ward were approached and, after obtaining informed consent, perceived stress, quality of life and treatment adherence was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), World Health Organization Quality of Life scale-Bref version and Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire. Socio demographic and clinical features were also assessed and relationship between all the variables was studied.