The Effect of Creative Handicrafts Programme on Blood Pressure, Stress and Depression in Hypertensive Patients.

Background: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of a 12-week creative handcraft programme, consisting of three different activities, on blood pressure, stress and depression in elderly patients with essential hypertension.

Method: This pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research was conducted with the participation of elderly individuals living in a nursing home. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination for the Uneducated (MMSE-E), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Blood Pressure Follow-up Form. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, MMSE-E, PSS, GDS and Blood Pressure Follow-up Form.

Results: It was determined that the 12-week creative handicraft programme was effective in reducing stress and depression in elderly individuals with essential hypertension and was also found to be beneficial in regulating blood pressure (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The results suggest that nurses should incorporate creative handcraft activities in the management of essential hypertension, stress and depression in elderly individuals.