INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH CULTURE SOCIETY

Abstract: Hypertension and stress are common among elderly individuals and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Diaphragmatic breathing exercise, a simple and cost-effective non-pharmacological intervention, is known to promote relaxation and autonomic balance. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing exercise on blood pressure and stress among elderly hypertensive patients. A total of 50 elderly hypertensive patients participated in the study, and data on demographic variables, clinical characteristics, blood pressure, and stress levels were collected using structured tools. The participants underwent a four-week diaphragmatic breathing exercise programme, after which post-test blood pressure and stress levels were assessed. The collected data were computerized and analysed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and standard deviation, along with inferential statistics including paired t-test and chi-square test. The results revealed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (mean difference = 4.48, p = 0.000), diastolic blood pressure (mean difference = 0.60, p = 0.013), and stress scores (mean difference = 22.98, p = 0.000). High stress levels reduced from 90% in the pre-test to 0% in the post-test, and Stage 1 hypertension declined from 44% to 38% following the intervention. Significant associations were observed between pre-test blood pressure and selected demographic and clinical variables, while stress levels were significantly associated with gender and body mass index (p < 0.05). The findings conclude that diaphragmatic breathing exercise is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing blood pressure and stress among elderly hypertensive patients.