Analysis of the Impact of Independent Factors on the Score – Mental Health Scale of the SF-36 Questionnaire in Hypertensive Patients Who Recovered from COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected people’s lifestyles, particularly influencing existing chronic conditions such as hypertension. It is estimated that 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 worldwide have hypertension. In addition to its impact on blood pressure levels, the pandemic also affected the quality of life and mental health of hypertensive patients. Mental health among individuals with chronic diseases who have recovered from COVID-19 is an important and complex issue. Research indicates that these patients are at a considerably higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and PTSD, as well as experiencing deterioration of their underlying conditions. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of independent factors on the mental health score using the SF-36 questionnaire among hypertensive patients who recovered from COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected primary healthcare centers across four cantons in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH). The study included a total of 240 patients, randomly selected from those diagnosed with hypertension who had recovered from COVID-19 (experimental group, n = 120). The control group consisted of 120 participants who had recovered from COVID-19 but did not have hypertension. The European SF-36 questionnaire was used for longitudinal self-assessment of health status in patients with various chronic conditions. Results: The analysis of independent factors affecting mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic showed poorer mental health outcomes among older, single participants with higher educational attainment. In relation to COVID-19 treatment, patients who had been hospitalized or treated in Intensive Care Units and who experienced cardiac complications exhibited worse mental health scores. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a statistically significant higher likelihood of poorer mental health among hypertensive patients who had contracted COVID-19.