Abstract:
Hypertension is the leading cause of death among adults globally. This study
assessed the burden of hypertension and its prevailing risk factors among rural
dwellers in selected districts of the Eastern Region. This study adapted a
quantitative cross-sectional survey while using a multistage cluster sampling
technique. It also employed a closed-ended questionnaire to solicit information from
1,652 adults aged 25 years or above. Frequencies and percentages were used to
assess participants' anthropometric characteristics and illness perceptions. Chisquare
tests and Pearson correlation analysed associations between variables, while
hierarchical logistic regression identified hypertension predictors at a 0.05
significance level and 95% confidence interval. The prevalence of hypertension
among participants was 24.1%. Also, 19% of participants had high-risk waist-tohip
ratio (WHR), 72.2% and 5.4% of females and males had high risk of waist-toheight
ratio (WHtR) respectively. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and
underweight were 27%, 14% and 10% respectively. Also, 34% of people living with
hypertension had high threat perception. High body mass index (BMI) and
increased WHR were significant predictors of hypertension among participants. The
risk factors for hypertension were being a female, being aged 50 years or older,
having no formal education, and regular consumption of salty meals. Having basic
education, never smoking, not currently smoking, and avoiding alcohol
consumption in the last 12 months reduce the risk of hypertension. Therefore,
collaborative health education efforts aim to raise hypertension awareness and
encourage regular check-ups should be implemented in the Eastern region of Ghana.
