Abstract
This study aimed to determine the relationship between stress levels and sugar and sodium intake among hypertensive patients at Bontomarannu Health Center. This quantitative study used an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The study involved 40 hypertensive patients selected using accidental sampling. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), while sugar and sodium intake were assessed using three non-consecutive 24-hour food recalls. Blood pressure was measured using a tensimeter. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses, with Fisher's Exact Test applied to examine the relationships between stress level and sugar intake and between stress level and sodium intake at a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). The results showed that 72.5% of respondents had moderate stress, 82.5% had adequate sugar intake, and 65.0% had excessive sodium intake. Fisher's Exact Test showed a significant relationship between stress level and sugar intake (p = 0.026), whereas no significant relationship was found between stress level and sodium intake (p = 0.759). These findings indicate that stress level was associated with sugar intake, but not with sodium intake, among hypertensive patients at Bontomarannu Health Center.
